Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu is pushing for stronger international support to tackle Nigeria’s security challenges, with plans for specialised training for up to 5,000 police officers.
The initiative follows his working visit to Italy, where he held talks with Italian law enforcement officials on improving police operations, intelligence gathering and counter-insurgency efforts.
The proposed partnership involving Nigeria, the United States and Italy aims to strengthen the Nigeria Police Force’s response to terrorism, kidnapping, arms trafficking and other crimes.
During the visit, Disu met Lieutenant-General Salvatore Luongo, Commander General of the Italian Carabinieri, to discuss training, technical support and institutional development.
A major proposal involves specialised training for 5,000 police personnel, particularly those handling security operations in rural areas and difficult forest terrain.
The training would cover tactical operations, intelligence-led patrols, cybercrime investigations, explosives detection and forensic science.
Officers would also receive training in financial investigations, asset tracing, infrastructure protection and anti-extortion methods.
The programme would involve more than the Police Mobile Force, extending to specialised units, including forensic and explosive ordnance disposal teams.
At the Carabinieri Centre of Excellence for Stability Police Units in Vicenza, the Nigerian delegation also examined training facilities and discussed ways to adapt international expertise to Nigeria’s security needs.
The proposed arrangements include command courses for 40 senior officers and leadership training for 100 junior commanders.
A mobile assistance team could also support Police Mobile Force training schools in Gwoza and Ila-Orangun.
Disu’s delegation further sought assistance in developing national stability policing guidelines and standard operating procedures.
These would promote consistent police operations and better protection for civilians, especially in communities recovering from conflict.
Other areas under discussion included canine operations, forensic science, and mounted policing.
To move the proposals forward, the IGP suggested a memorandum of understanding covering training, technology transfer and operational guidelines.
He also invited an Italian Carabinieri assessment team to Abuja to identify priority needs.
The proposed IGP Disu police training partnership reflects efforts to improve officers’ skills, strengthen investigations and protect lives and property.
