The final workshop in a series of eight specialised training sessions, delivered by UNODC, has equipped a select group of counter-terrorism investigators from the Nigerian Armed Forces.
These workshops, organized as part of the European Union’s Support for the Disengagement, Review, Reintegration, and Reconciliation (SD3R) of Persons formerly Associated with Non-State Armed Groups Project, bring together investigators and officers from the Joint Investigation Centre (JIC), Maiduguri, Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police Headquarters (NACMP), and the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) to strengthen their skills in crime scene investigation and forensic laboratory analysis.
The crime scene investigation training series began in January 2025, with the same participants attending each subsequent module during selected weeks throughout the year. This phased approach was designed to ensure that investigators and officers had adequate time to absorb, practice, and apply the specialized skills introduced in each segment of the program in the field.
Participants were equipped with techniques to collect evidence from crime scenes, properly package it and transfer it to forensic laboratories for analysis. Further key aspects of training include securing a crime scene, organising the exploitation of the site, crime scene photography, lifting fingerprint marks, conducting searches, preserving the chain of custody, and handling evidence securely.
By building the technical capacities of these students, this initiative seeks to enhance collaboration and coordination between the Joint Investigation Centre in Maiduguri and the Military Police forensic laboratory in Abuja, ensuring that evidence recovered from terrorists and terrorism-related crime scenes is processed effectively. Ultimately, the series aims to promote rigorous evidence collection and analysis, supporting a more effective, evidence-based approach to prosecution.
One participant, Captain O. A. Oyetunji, described the positive impact the training had had on his work: “The UNODC forensics and crime scene training has been timely and professionally enriching. In a period when Nigeria is grappling with insurgency, terrorism, and banditry, this training strengthened my competence in forensic investigation, evidence integrity, and crime scene analysis. I also value the collaboration fostered among all security agencies, which greatly enhanced synergy and information sharing in our joint effort to address national security issues.”
Another participant, Captain A. Owoyomi, also emphasised the value of the training he had received: “Through this training, I have gained practical, hands-on skills and access to the latest tools, techniques, and methodologies needed to thrive in modern-day investigation. My critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and attention to detail have greatly improved, all thanks to the Nigerian Army and UNODC.”
The Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police Headquarters graciously supported this series by making available its conference hall and forensic laboratory throughout the training. The Military Police leadership has also expressed its appreciation for UNODC’s support and commitment to strengthening the capabilities of its officers and forensic laboratory. This partnership is viewed as an important contribution to enhancing the quality and effectiveness of forensic work within the Military Police.
A second group of selected participants from the JIC, NCTC, and NACMP will begin a new round of training in February 2026.
