Nigeria Police Strengthens Preparedness Against Chemical and Explosive Threats Through Specialized Security Training

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has taken another step toward strengthening the country’s national security framework by advancing the training of officers responsible for responding to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear (CBRN), and explosive threats.

The latest effort comes with the completion of the final phase of a specialized Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction (C-WMD) Curriculum Development Workshop, an initiative designed to improve the operational readiness of the Force’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Command.

The programme brings together local and international security partners as Nigeria continues to prepare for increasingly complex security risks that extend beyond conventional crime and terrorism.

Specialized Training Targets Emerging Security Risks

The workshop, organized by the Commissioner of Police in charge of the EOD-CBRN Command, CP Hauwa Ibrahim, was conducted in collaboration with the United States Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) and Nigeria’s Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

The DTRA delegation was led by Major Brittany Brown, while Mrs. Pamela West headed the ONSA delegation.

According to the Nigeria Police Force, the programme marks the conclusion of a series of “Train-the-Trainers” sessions aimed at embedding a standardized National Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Curriculum within relevant security institutions.

The approach is expected to create a sustainable training system where officers who complete the programme will, in turn, train additional personnel across the Force.

Police Leadership Highlights Need for Modern Security Preparedness

Representing the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, DIG Umar Shehu Nadada, described the initiative as a strategic investment in the operational capability of the Nigeria Police Force.

He noted that global security threats continue to evolve, requiring law enforcement agencies to remain adequately trained, technologically prepared, and capable of responding quickly to incidents involving hazardous materials or sophisticated explosive devices.

The police leadership also emphasized that collaboration among Nigerian security agencies and international partners remains essential for protecting lives, safeguarding critical infrastructure, and strengthening national resilience against emerging threats.

International Partnership Supports Capacity Building

Officials acknowledged the contributions of the United States Defense Threat Reduction Agency, the Office of the National Security Adviser, technical facilitators, and participating partner agencies for supporting the development of the curriculum.

The Nigeria Police said the partnership has enhanced officers’ technical knowledge, operational planning, and investigative capabilities, while also improving preparedness for incidents involving hazardous substances and weapons of mass destruction.

Participants were encouraged to apply the knowledge gained during the workshop throughout the Force, ensuring that the curriculum becomes a permanent component of training for EOD-CBRN personnel nationwide.

Why Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Matters

Although incidents involving chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear materials are relatively rare compared to conventional crimes, security experts consider preparedness essential because of the potentially devastating consequences of such attacks or accidents.

Modern policing increasingly requires officers to identify hazardous materials, secure contaminated environments, investigate explosive incidents, coordinate emergency responses, and work alongside military, intelligence, health, and emergency management agencies.

Developing specialized capabilities before an emergency occurs is widely regarded as a critical element of national security planning.

What Comes Next

The Nigeria Police Force says the National Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Curriculum will now be integrated into its broader training framework for EOD-CBRN personnel.

The Command also expressed optimism that continued cooperation with strategic partners will provide additional specialized equipment, technical assistance, and advanced operational training needed to address evolving security challenges.

As Nigeria continues to modernize its security institutions, sustained investment in specialized training is expected to improve the country’s ability to prevent, detect, investigate, and respond effectively to complex threats involving hazardous materials and explosive devices.