By Bavoriat Clara
Nigeria has reaffirmed its readiness to respond effectively to terrorism and major crisis situations as the British High Commission, in collaboration with the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), commenced the Gold and Silver Incident Commanders Courses and Intelligence Analysis Course in Abuja.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the British High Commission representative, Lieutenant Colonel Ian Tyler, described the programme as a vital multi-agency response and intelligence training initiative aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s present and future crisis leadership. He noted that the Gold and Silver Command Courses provide a unique platform for security agencies to train together, enhance inter-agency coordination, and develop strategic and operational leadership skills.
According to him, the two-week training programme will equip participants with the capacity to analyse complex situations, process intelligence effectively, and make informed strategic decisions. He explained that the training is being conducted alongside Nigeria’s National Fighters Exercise, Equalised Capitalist Response, which he described as a clear demonstration of Nigeria’s preparedness, resilience, and national resolve in responding to terrorist incidents and emergency situations.
Lieutenant Colonel Tyler further highlighted that the instructors deployed for the programme are experienced real-time operational commanders within the United Kingdom policing system, bringing a wealth of operational knowledge to the training. He encouraged participants to fully engage with the instructors and take advantage of their expertise, stressing that the training reflects Nigeria’s growing leadership role in counter-terrorism and security cooperation across West Africa.
He added that as security threats become increasingly complex, agile, and far-reaching, partnerships such as this remain essential for planning, resilience building, and strengthening collective defence against terrorism. The British High Commission representative reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in improving operational systems, logistics, air force support, climate vulnerability response, and the sharing of global best practices to address both current and emerging security challenges.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the National Coordinator of the NCTC, Major General Adamu Laka, who was represented by Brigadier General Lawani Eromosele, welcomed participants on behalf of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu. He described the combined Silver and Gold Commanders Courses, alongside the Intelligence Analysis Course, as a critical milestone in strengthening Nigeria’s crisis management and emergency response capabilities.
Brigadier General Eromosele noted that the programme marks the third edition of the courses at the NCTC, adding that previous editions had delivered measurable outcomes, with participants acquiring essential skills to manage incidents and civil emergencies more effectively. He expressed deep appreciation to the British High Commission for its sustained partnership, particularly in capacity building and the provision of expert trainers, which he said has been instrumental in advancing the Centre’s mandate as a regional consultancy hub.
He explained that the Gold Incident Commanders Course is designed for strategic-level commanders and senior officers, focusing on planning, implementing, and reviewing multi-agency strategies during major incidents and civil emergencies. In contrast, the Silver Incident Commanders Course targets operational-level commanders, preparing them to manage incidents on the ground and coordinate seamlessly across multiple agencies. He added that the Intelligence Analysis Course provides the analytical foundation upon which both Gold and Silver commanders rely in single and multi-agency operational environments.
According to him, the combined courses offer a comprehensive framework for developing future leaders in crisis and emergency management. He encouraged participants to actively engage in the training, ask questions, and share experiences, noting that their collective efforts would contribute significantly to a safer and more secure Nigeria.
The event was attended by senior officials of the British High Commission, directors of the NCTC, representatives of international partner organisations including Swedish resource management teams, military intelligence and law enforcement officers, intelligence and analytics personnel, and members of the media.
The opening ceremony concluded with the formal declaration of the courses open, reaffirming the shared commitment of Nigeria and the United Kingdom to strengthening security, resilience, and regional stability.
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