Counter-terrorism: Britain, Italy pledged to train Nigeria police officers

The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Paul Arkwright and Italian Ambassador to Nigeria Dr. Fulvio Rustico, have pledged their countries’ commitment to assist in the training of Nigeria Police personnel on counter- terrorism.

They conveyed their countries preparedness to retrain Nigeria Police on counter-terrorism when they paid a courtesy visit on the Acting Inspector General of Police Ibrahim K. Idris at the weekend.

Arkwright intimated the IGP of the Britain’s role as a major donor to the Nigeria Police Force and that his Government would do more in the area of Counter-Terrorism Training for officers and men of the force.

Rustico informed Idris of the willingness of his home government to partner with the Nigeria Police Force on training.

He said that there were plans for Italian Heads of Police and IGP to hold a bilateral meeting. He stated that Rome had also concluded plans to train at least 20 officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force in Counter Terrorism.

In his responses, Idris expressed delight at their visits and acknowledged the fact that Nigeria Police Force personnel, had in the past, undergone series of training in Britain.

He further stated that he was confident that the visit would open avenues for more of such opportunities.

Idris commended the Italian Government for rendering such invaluable assistance. He said that such gestures were immeasurable in the light of the current fight against terrorism.

He recounted how he had witnessed, first-hand, the high standards maintained by the Italian Government as regards training of her security personnel, while he was working with the United Nations.