ABUJA, Jan. 24, 2026 — The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) through expanded specialised training programmes and the provision of modern operational equipment, as senior officials of the U.S. Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) met the police high command in Abuja to review and deepen their strategic partnership.
A U.S. delegation led by INL Deputy Assistant Secretary Maggie Nardi paid a courtesy visit to the Force Headquarters at the weekend. The delegation included Jacob Wright, INL Senior Advisor, and Grane Douglas, Acting Director of INL Abuja, according to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin.
Police authorities said the meeting reviewed ongoing areas of cooperation and explored opportunities to strengthen institutional engagement in policing and internal security development, amid evolving threats that require improved tactical readiness and professional standards.
In the statement, Nardi reiterated Washington’s support for the NPF, emphasizing that continued collaboration is essential to building institutional capacity and improving operational effectiveness. She specifically highlighted expanded specialised training and the supply of modern operational equipment as priority areas for support.
Responding, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun expressed appreciation for the partnership, particularly in tactical capacity development, and pointed to the operational gains linked to INL-supported training. He cited the impact on the Special Intervention Squad (SIS), praising what he described as improved professionalism and discipline among SIS personnel in recent operations.
Egbetokun also reiterated the NPF’s commitment to deepening cooperation with INL and other international partners while adopting global best practices aimed at strengthening service delivery and improving public safety outcomes nationwide.
The engagement signals continuity in U.S.-Nigeria law-enforcement assistance at a time when Nigerian authorities are under increasing pressure to demonstrate measurable improvements in policing outcomes, accountability, and citizen confidence. Police officials framed the partnership as a practical mechanism to upgrade skills, tools, and operational standards—rather than a one-off diplomatic courtesy—while noting that future collaboration will focus on scaling training and ensuring equipment support translates into field-level capability.
