The National Counter Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser (NCTC-ONSA), has announced efforts to bolster Nigeria’s counter-terrorism capabilities through partnership with the British High Commission.
The National Coordinator, NCTC-ONSA, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, made this known on Monday in Abuja, at the opening of the Silver, Gold, Intelligence Analysis and Train the Trainer Aviation Security Courses being conducted by the centre.
Laka said the four courses were being hosted simultaneously, and are part of the transitioning of NCTC to a Regional Centre of Excellence for Counter Terrorism in West Africa and the Sahel.
This, according to him, implies that the centre will continue to conduct capacity-building programmes to West African and Sahelian States.
He said the partnership with the British High Commission, was part of the enduring strategic cooperation in building resilient security institutions and promoting regional stability.
“This is why we deeply value the continued support of our partners, as well as the dedication of participants drawn from various agencies, in advancing our shared goal of a safer Nigeria and region.
“The Silver and Gold Commanders training courses are follow-ups to the Strategic Commanders’ Course that was conducted in February.
“It is designed to equip commanders at various levels with the necessary skills to respond effectively to incidents.
“This training will undoubtedly play a critical role in preparing us for the upcoming Exercise Rapid Response,” he said.
Laka said the Gold Incident Commanders Course was specifically designed for those working at the strategic command level, while the Silver Incident Course targets those at the operational command level.
He said that the Train the Trainer Aviation Security Course was designed to equip trainers with the knowledge and skills to deliver effective security culture training, enabling them to develop Nigerian-specific training materials and tailor security culture programmes to its unique needs.
This, according to him, will enhance Nigeria’s aviation security and contribute to a safer aviation ecosystem.
“Similarly, the Intelligence Analysis Course is aimed at providing participants with essential skills to identify individuals, understand intelligence assessment, conduct analysis, and recognize patterns.
“These skills will be invaluable in enhancing our national security.
“Our goal is to build a robust intelligence analysis capability that supports decision-making at the strategic level,” he added.
The representative of the British High Commission, Lt.-Col. Ian Tyler, said that the UK had brought in some experts comprising military instructors and former police officers with wealth of experience that would deliver the strategic command training, along with the operational level training.
Tyler urged participants to ask questions and tap from their experiences.
He said the training was geared towards increasing Nigeria’s operational output to be able to deal with the threat of terrorism. (NAN)
