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By Isaac Aregbesola
The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Office of National Security Adviser (ONSA) and Spanish Embassy in Nigeria have called for a coordinated and trauma-informed approach to support victims of terrorism.
They made the call on Wednesday at a two-day workshop to support victims of terrorism, co-organised by NCTC with the Spanish Government, in Abuja.
Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, National Coordinator, NCTC, in his address of welcome, said the call was crucial to addressing the complex challenges posed by terrorist violence.
Laka was represented by the Director of Intelligence, NCTC, Brig.-Gen. Peter Gbor.
He reaffirmed the NCTC’s commitment to advancing a humane, inclusive, and coordinated response to terrorism, placing victims at the heart of policies and programmes.
He noted that the NCTC’s mandate went beyond disrupting terrorist networks to building national resilience, preventing violent extremism, and ensuring comprehensive support for victims.
Laka, who described the workshop as a humanitarian call to action, added that it highlighted the need for intentional support and protection of victims who suffer physical, emotional, psychological, and socio-economic scars.
”The workshop aims to enhance understanding of victims’ needs and rights, promote trauma-informed and gender-sensitive support frameworks, and strengthen collaboration among stakeholders.”
Laka commended the Spanish government and other partners for their commitment to the cause and encouraged participants to engage actively in the sessions.
In his remarks, the Ambassador of Spain to Nigeria, Félix Costale, said that ”bringing perpetrators of terrorist acts to justice remains one of the primary demands of victims.”
Costale stressed that victims must remain at the heart of global counterterrorism efforts.
“Victims must remain at the centre of global counterterrorism strategies, not only because of the duty to provide them with protection and assistance, but also because of the vital role they play in raising awareness and preventing violent extremism,” he said.
According to the envoy, Spain has, over the years, developed a comprehensive protection model that recognises the contributions of victims in education, advocacy and policy development.
He stressed that their experiences served as powerful tools for prevention.
He noted that the workshop would deepen empathy, strengthen dialogue and enhance bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and Spain in advancing support systems for victims of terrorism.
The envoy said Nigeria and Spain shared a common and holistic approach to counterterrorism that prioritised victims as central stakeholders.
Also speaking, the Country Representative of UNODC, Cheikh Touré, said the initiative formed part of broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s institutional response to victims’ needs and rights.
Toure, said victims of terrorism deserved more than just sympathy, but rather a structured support system that addresses their physical, emotional, and psychological needs.
He noted that the workshop was a crucial step towards developing guidance to help member states design holistic, victim-centered assistance frameworks.
He stressed that victims should be active agents of change, educators, peacebuilders, and advocates.
He emphasised the need for strengthening frameworks, improving coordination, ensuring access to justice, and enhancing psychosocial, economic, and community-based support for victims.
He commended the NCTC and the Government of Spain for their commitment to supporting victims of terrorism
He said that their efforts would shape a safer and more humane future for communities affected by terrorism.
Toure said the workshop would focus on developing comprehensive assistance plans for victims of terrorism, including remembrance, protection, access to justice, compensation, and rehabilitation
Touré commended the leadership of NCTC and Spain in advancing victim-centred counterterrorism initiatives.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the two-day engagement brought together policymakers, security agencies, humanitarian organisations and civil society representatives.
It also provided a platform to exchange experiences, identify gaps and propose practical measures to strengthen Nigeria’s victim support architecture.
The workshop is widely seen as part of Nigeria’s broader shift toward a more humane and inclusive counterterrorism approach.
It recognised that lasting peace depends not only on defeating terrorism, but also on restoring dignity, justice and hope to those most affected.(NAN)
Edited by Deji Abdulwahab
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