By Sumaila Ogbaje

Nigeria is enhancing its counterterrorism efforts by revising its National Strategy.

The Coordinator of National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, made this known during a high-level workshop to review and validate the revised National Counter Terrorism Strategy (NACTEST).

The NACTEST was first developed in 2015 and revised in 2016 and had guided the national efforts in the fight against terrorism for nearly a decade.

Laka said that revised NACTEST aims to strengthen the country’s approach to preventing and combating terrorism, particularly addressing the root causes of violent extremism and improving inter-agency coordination. 

According to him, it has become increasingly clear that a comprehensive update of this strategy is long overdue, noting the need for a framework that incorporates both new threats and hard-won operational lessons.

“However, given the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the security landscape, it has become increasingly clear that a comprehensive review and update of this strategy are long overdue.

“This is necessary to ensure it reflects emerging threats, the evolving tactics of terrorist organisations, and the invaluable lessons learned from our counterterrorism operations over the years.

“Sequel to the expert review and the contributions made during the several stakeholders’ meetings, we now have a consolidated draft of the revised NACTEST,” he said.

Laka said the review work had valuable inputs from a broad range of stakeholders across Ministries, Departments, Agencies, civil society organisations, and international partners.

According to him, these wide array of perspectives have been instrumental in producing a draft strategy that is robust, inclusive, fully aligned with international best practices and will stand the test of time.

He said the review came at a particularly important time the centre is transitioning into a Regional Centre of Excellence for Counterterrorism in West Africa and the Sahel, following the declaration by President Bola Tinubu.

He said the transition underscored Nigeria’s leadership and commitment to regional security, adding that there was need to produce strategy that meets Nigeria’s needs and also sets a benchmark for the region.

“This workshop is also carefully designed to ensure active participation and collective ownership of the revised strategy.

“Let us remain guided by the two foundational pillars of our counterterrorism approach: the Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society strategies.

“These pillars remind us that terrorism is not only a security challenge but also a social and ideological one, requiring the combined efforts of government institutions and society at large,” he added.

In his remarks, the Director, Policy and Strategy, NCTC, Commodore Ahmad Madawaki, said that significant progress had been made in developing the counterterrorism strategy through collaborative approach.

Madawaki said the approach was built on two fundamental pillars, which is Whole-of-Government and Whole of Society.

“The Whole-of-Government approach ensures that our counter-terrorism efforts are coordinated, comprehensive and effective while the Whole of Society approach engages communities, civil society organisations and the private sector in building trust, promoting social cohesion and countering extremist ideologies.

“As we review and finalise the draft strategy, we must ensure that it meets legal and international requirements, including human rights, gender and humanitarian law.

“We will also incorporate all national, regional and international legislations that relate to terrorism.

“Our strategy must address the current security challenges and ensure that all ministries, departments and agencies understand their roles and responsibilities as it relates to the implementation of the strategy,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza