Anti-Kidnap & Targeting Indications Detection (AKTID) Programme: Module 2

• Delivered by experienced former Elite UK Military and Private Security Company (PSC) Course Directing Staff (DS) with real-world, hostile environment leadership and operational experience in kidnap-prone environments.
• Emphasises early threat detection, prevention, and proactive decision-making.
• Includes practical surveillance detection and anti-kidnap drills in urban and field settings.
• Enhances personal and team survivability through threat recognition and mitigation techniques.
• Aligned with organisational duty-of-care and ISO 31030 travel risk management principles.

The aim of this course is to prepare personnel operating in high-risk environments, such as NGO workers, field operatives, and support staff, with the critical skills and knowledge required to recognise, assess, and counter kidnap threats and targeting indicators. Through a focus on behavioural profiling, surveillance detection, threat assessment methodologies, and counter-surveillance strategies, participants will be equipped to anticipate potential risks, reduce personal and team exposure, and implement effective mitigation measures tailored to local and regional contexts.

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Identify and assess the various sources and types of kidnap threats, including tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) used by hostile actors.
• Conduct pre-deployment and real-time threat assessments using standardised tools and checklists.
• Recognise behavioural cues, micro-behaviours, and body language that indicate surveillance or targeting.
• Understand and apply principles of behavioural and environmental profiling to anticipate and mitigate risks.
• Detect hostile surveillance activities through practical observation and analysis techniques.
• Implement effective counter-surveillance and low-profile movement strategies to disrupt targeting cycles.
• Utilise cross-cultural communication and behavioural awareness to navigate diverse environments and reduce misunderstandings that may elevate threat levels.
• Develop and apply appropriate risk mitigation and contingency plans, including SOPs tailored to regional threat environments.
• Analyse real-world case studies to extract lessons learned and apply them to field operations.
• Enhance personal and team situational awareness, using tools such as Cooper’s Colour Codes, to prevent complacency and increase response readiness.

Upon successful completion of the course, participants will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a working knowledge of kidnap-related TTPs and explain how they vary by region and adversary intent.
2. Apply structured pre-deployment and real-time threat assessment tools to inform operational decisions.
3. Interpret behavioural and non-verbal cues to identify individuals or situations that may pose a threat.
4. Detect and report potential surveillance and targeting behaviours with accuracy and clarity.
5. Employ risk-reduction strategies, such as route analysis and pattern-of-life assessments, to disrupt targeting opportunities.
6. Practise and refine counter-surveillance techniques in simulated exercises and real-world scenarios.
7. Adapt communication and behavioural approaches to respect cultural norms and improve safety outcomes.
8. Create or update SOPs and contingency plans based on evolving threat intelligence and environmental conditions.
9. Conduct post-incident reviews and apply learning from case studies to enhance future preparedness.
10. Exhibit improved situational awareness and defensive behaviours, contributing to the overall security of the operational team.

The module covers the following key subject areas:

• Understanding Threats: Types and Sources
• Recommended Countermeasures Against Kidnap Threats
• Pre-Deployment Threat Assessment
• Real-Time Threat Assessment
• Real-Time Threat Assessment Checklist
• Kidnap Tactics, Techniques & Procedures (TTPs)
• Countering TTP Strategies
• Developing Risk Mitigation Strategies
• Case Study: NGO Teams in Niger – Adapting to Elevated Kidnap Risk
• Environmental Awareness & Behaviour Profiling
• Behavioural Cues & Indicators
• Body Language & Micro-Behaviours
• Hostile Surveillance Detection
• Using Behavioural Profiling to Anticipate Threats
• Cultural Considerations
• Cross-Cultural Communication & Behavioural Cues Checklist
• Case Study: Surveillance Detection in Kabul, Afghanistan
• Foundations of Non-Verbal Communication
• Recommended Practical Drills
• Understanding Targeting Indicators
• Physical Surveillance Techniques
• Route Analysis & ‘Pattern-of-Life’ Assessments
• Counter-Surveillance Techniques
• Case Study: Countering Surveillance in Colombia
• Low Profile Movement Strategies
• Defensive Behaviour & Personal Security
• Communication Protocols
• Situational Awareness: Cooper’s Colour Codes
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) & Contingency Plans
• Case Study: NGO Security in Nigeria
• SOPs: Staff Security & Movement Protocol

The course is aimed at, but not limited to the following target audience:

• Security personnel, protection teams, and high-risk corporate travellers.
• NGO staff, media professionals, and contractors operating in kidnap-prone regions.
• Government and private sector personnel tasked with travel security or close protection.
• Individuals requiring enhanced situational awareness and personal protection capability.

• Must have attended and completed Anti-Kidnap Training & Targeting Indications Detection (AKTID) Programme: Module 1.
• Previous completion of a basic hostile environment or personal security course is recommended but not mandatory.
• English proficiency (or the language of delivery) is required for safety and operational effectiveness.

Upon completion of this Course, course participants will receive a Certificate in Anti-Kidnap & Targeting Indication Detection Programme: Module 2

Click on either the ‘Buy Course £495 GBP’ button in the page banner (NOTE: the button will only be visible if there are dates showing in the Course Calendar), or you can select the required ‘Sign Up’ button in the Course Calendar at the bottom of this page. This will take you a course booking are on our Partner site (VIRSEC.org). You will need to create an account before continuing. Please then select the course date and make payment via the eCommerce gateway. We will confirm your booking within 48 hours. If you wish to pay by an alternate method, please email us at: [email protected] and we will respond accordingly.

At Special Projects Group, we offer competitive bulk discount pricing for companies and organisations looking to purchase our courses for multiple employees. Whether you’re equipping anything from a small team to a complete department, we provide scalable pricing options to suit your training needs. Discounts are applied based on the number of participants, with greater savings available for larger groups. To discuss your specific requirements and receive a personalised quote, please contact our training coordination team by email at [email protected], and one of our team will happily assist you.

The course is held at our Strategic Partner’s Venue at Canada House, 3 Chepstow Street, Manchester, M1 5FW, United Kingdom. An information Pack will be emailed to the delegates email address used at the time of purchasing the course. If you are interested in bulk purchases, we will provide you details at the time of receipt of your email enquiry.

SPG are a signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant (AFC) and as such, we offer former, and current serving members of the Armed Forces a 15% discount. Contact us to secure your discount code prior to booking or email us to pay by BACs / Bank Transfer and we will provide you with the relevant payment details.