Personnel of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Nigeria Police Force have undergone specialised training in quick response, rescue operations and emergency management as part of efforts to strengthen operational capacity and improve responses to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
The two-day training, organised in Abuja by Edgard Consulting Limited under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, equipped officers with practical skills in rapid emergency response, tactical movement, casualty evacuation, first responder actions, weapon handling, anti-hostage operations and operational preparedness for high-risk situations.
The initiative comes amid growing calls for continuous capacity building for security agencies as Nigeria grapples with terrorism, kidnapping, armed banditry and other violent crimes requiring swift and coordinated emergency responses.
Speaking at the end of the programme, Edward Orim, Principal Consultant and Chief Executive Officer of Edgard Consulting Limited, said the training was designed to expose police personnel to modern rescue techniques and internationally recognised operational standards that would enhance their effectiveness in the field.
According to him, the company remains committed to supporting Nigeria’s security architecture through regular professional development programmes for security agencies.
“Edgard Consulting Limited is a risk management organisation involved in training, risk assessment and the protection of humanitarian operations, schools and other soft targets.
“We have just concluded a successful training with the Nigeria Police, specifically the Intelligence Response Team, and we intend to continue supporting security agencies through our corporate social responsibility initiatives,” Orim said.
He explained that the programme was offered free of charge as part of the company’s contribution to strengthening the operational readiness of the Nigeria Police Force.
“We want to support our people because the police are our partners in maintaining security. Through continuous training and retraining, officers will be better prepared to respond to evolving security challenges and emergency situations,” he added.
Orim stressed that security threats continue to evolve, making regular retraining essential for law enforcement officers who are often the first responders during emergencies and rescue operations.
Also speaking, Simeon Itodo, a resource person, said the participants were exposed to global best practices covering tactical operations, search and rescue missions, trauma care and emergency medical response.
He noted that the officers received practical instruction on weapon handling, anti-hostage operations, first aid procedures and the management of gunshot wounds.
“The officers and men of the IRT were trained on weapon handling, search and rescue operations, anti-hostage scenarios, first aid and trauma management, including how to manage gunshot injuries.
“The training meets international standards comparable to what obtains in countries such as Israel, the United States and parts of Europe,” Itodo said.
He expressed optimism that the knowledge gained during the programme would cascade across the police force as participants were expected to train colleagues within their respective units.
According to him, such knowledge-sharing would significantly expand the impact of the initiative and improve the preparedness of officers for future operations.
Participants described the training as highly practical and directly relevant to the realities of modern policing.
They said the programme sharpened their decision-making abilities during emergencies, strengthened teamwork and enhanced their understanding of rescue coordination and casualty management.
“All we acquired during the training was straightforward and practical. We learnt decision-making in critical situations, teamwork, victim evacuation and injury management. We will also pass this knowledge to colleagues who were unable to attend,” some of the officers said.
A female participant also commended the quality of instruction, particularly the modules on first aid and emergency response, noting that the practical demonstrations would prove valuable during field operations.
Edgard Consulting Limited reaffirmed its commitment to supporting national security through sustained investment in professional training, security capacity development and strategic operational support aligned with global best practices.
