By Adewole Kehinde
The recent graduation of 325 officers from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal–Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Basic Course 20/2025 stands as a testament to the visionary leadership and strategic foresight of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM.
It clearly reflects his unwavering commitment to building a more capable, professional, and resilient Nigeria Police Force, one that is adequately equipped to tackle emerging threats in our dynamic security environment.
The intensive four-week training, which ran from 12th October to 7th November 2025 at the Police Mobile Force Training College, Ende Hills, Nasarawa State, was not just another exercise in routine capacity development.
It was a comprehensive and forward-thinking programme designed to equip officers with the advanced skills necessary to detect, handle, and mitigate threats posed by explosive ordnance, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and the unlawful use of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and other hazardous materials.
This initiative underscores IGP Egbetokun’s steadfast dedication to professionalism, operational excellence, and continuous capacity building within the Force. Under his leadership, the Nigeria Police has consistently embraced modern approaches to security management, adapting to evolving threats with the precision and competence required in a 21st-century security architecture.
It is also worthy of note that this milestone was achieved with the invaluable collaboration of both national and international partners whose expertise and resources strengthened the success of the training. Special commendation must go to the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), The HALO Trust, the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA), and the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development.
Their partnership with the Nigeria Police Force in delivering this world-class training highlights the growing trust and confidence that global stakeholders have in the leadership of IGP Egbetokun.
Equally deserving of recognition are the contributions of key departments and units within the Force, the Directorate of Force Medical Services, the Forensics Section of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), and the Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), whose technical support and operational input ensured that the course met the highest professional standards.
This training programme aligns perfectly with the Inspector-General’s strategic vision of a Police Force that is not only reactive but preventive, one that stays ahead of emerging security challenges through skill, innovation, and knowledge. It reaffirms the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to continuous capacity development and readiness to safeguard the nation against complex threats that transcend traditional crime.
As Nigerians, we can take comfort in the assurance that the 325 newly trained officers will significantly bolster national security efforts, enhance public safety, and support ongoing counter-threat operations across the country.
Their deployment will no doubt improve the nation’s preparedness against explosive and hazardous material threats, thereby contributing to the broader goal of peace and stability.
In a time when security challenges continue to evolve in sophistication, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun’s leadership has once again demonstrated that strategic vision, professionalism, and partnership are the pillars upon which a secure and peaceful Nigeria must stand.
The successful completion of the EOD-CBRN Basic Course 20/2025 is, therefore, not just a graduation; it is a reflection of progress, foresight, and the steady transformation of the Nigeria Police Force under a leader committed to excellence and national service.
Adewole Kehinde is a public affairs analyst based in Abuja. Email: kennyadewole@gmail.com @kennyadewole 08166240846
