News Agency of Nigeria
Army trains 174 NSCDC FCT personnel
Defence/Security

Army trains 174 NSCDC FCT personnel

Training

By Kelechi Ogunleye

The Nigerian Army Headquarters, Garrison, has trained 174 personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) FCT Command on the use of modern security tools.

The one-week training exercise was themed “Enhancing Tactical Efficiency Through Modern Security Tools”.

Addressing the trainees on Monday in Abuja, Maj.-Gen. Maxwell Dangana, the Garrison Commander, urged them to uphold the knowledge and skills acquired by impacting positively on society.

Represented by Garrison Training Commander, Brig.-Gen. Ndareke Orok, he said the training was packaged to suit the NSCDC’s role in protecting lives and property.

“Knowledge not utilised will be lost, so beyond this training, utilise all you learnt here, so that the knowledge will remain with you,” he said.

In his remarks, the FCT Commandant of the NSCDC, Olusola Odumosu, said that the knowledge and skills acquired would boost personnel efficiency.

He said that knowledge acquired in areas of radio communication, map reading and interpretation, security signs and symbols, navigation, and drone operations would handy in operations.

Odumosu said that the training, organised in collaboration with the Nigerian Army Garrison headquarters, was apt and timely in addressing the security challenges bedevilling the country.

“As facilitators and training partners, I extend my deepest appreciation for imparting your knowledge and experience to our officers and men.”

He said that the training was a proactive move to efficiently sharpen personnel skills in line with the ever-evolving dynamics of security operations.

“The threats we face today are more complex and sophisticated than ever before, requiring not only courage and commitment but also the effective deployment of modern tools, knowledge and techniques.

“The skills acquired through this training will translate into stronger surveillance capacity, quicker response and improved protection of assets vital to our economic and social wellbeing.

“The training will also promote a surge in the arrests of vandals and other criminal elements within the FCT and its environs,” he said.

He commended the participants for their dedication, discipline, and resilience throughout the course.

Odumosu added that they have demonstrated readiness to adapt to new challenges and embrace innovation in service delivery.

He urged them to exhibit discipline, excellence, and tactical operational efficiency in winning the trust of Nigerians and ending the menace of public infrastructure vandalism in the FCT.

“You are now custodians of specialised knowledge and it is expected that you apply it with professionalism, discipline, and a strong sense of duty,” Odumosu said.

The training Chief Instructor, Capt. Lucky Tapre, said that the training programme has the potential to be a flagship training that would further boost the security operations of NSCDC personnel.

Tapre, however, said that the training was challenged by a shortage of materials and a short duration, as there was a need for a longer duration to enable in-depth study of the course outline.

On behalf of the trainees, Aloko Emmanuel, appreciated the FCT commandant and the trainers for their support in ensuring a successful training.

Emmanuel assured that the skills gained would be put to effective use and shared with other personnel.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that certificates of participation were presented to the officers and men of the command. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Nick Nicholas and Yakubu Uba

FRSC revives lecture series for safer roads
Defence/Security

FRSC revives lecture series for safer roads

By Ibironke Ariyo

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has revived its Annual Lecture Series after an eight-year break, aiming to enhance partnerships and promote global best practices in road safety management across Nigeria.

At the 8th edition held Wednesday in Abuja, the Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, described the lecture as a platform to deepen awareness and discourse on the persistent challenge of road traffic crashes.

Mohammed identified road crashes as a significant public health issue requiring urgent national attention, reaffirming the corps’ commitment to adopting international partnerships and strategies to improve road safety outcomes.

He recalled that the inaugural lecture was held in 2009 under the theme “Sustainable Development and Road Safety,” and had served as a yearly platform for advocacy and stakeholder engagement.

“Though the last edition took place in 2017, the 2025 revival aims to adopt global best practices as remedial actions for Nigeria and Africa’s road safety concerns,” he stated.

The Corps Marshal said the initiative aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its focus on sustainable transport development and improved public health through safer road systems.

He explained that the 2025 theme, “Road Safety Management and Emerging Transportation Trends: Global Partnership and Optimal Performance,” was carefully chosen to address evolving global and national transport issues.

Mohammed added that the theme was in line with the United Nations Assembly’s resolution to reduce road crash fatalities and injuries in Africa by 50 per cent by the year 2030.

In spite of progress made through enforcement, public education, and advocacy, Mohammed cited data showing an annual average of 5,000 deaths and more than 31,000 injuries from road crashes in Nigeria.

He stressed the need for more strategic resource mobilisation to fully implement the National Road Safety Strategy (NRSS), which he described as the blueprint for multi-level road safety governance.

The Corps Marshal expressed confidence that the lecture’s resolutions would generate insights critical to the effective implementation and success of the national strategy across all levels of government.

Mohammed also emphasised the pivotal role of the National Road Safety Advisory Council (NaRSAC), chaired by the Vice President, in harmonising stakeholder roles within the NRSS framework.

He said NaRSAC would drive effective collaboration between government agencies, private sector actors, and civil society groups, ensuring all parties contributed to achieving the NRSS objectives.

The FRSC boss thanked the Federal Government for its continued support, including improved funding and institutional strengthening, which had helped sustain the corps’ mandate and operational efficiency.

He also expressed optimism that the pending FRSC Amendment Bill, awaiting Senate concurrence, would enhance enforcement powers, improve staff welfare, and boost service delivery nationwide.

In his remarks, retired Deputy Corps Marshal (DCM), Bisi Kazeem, welcomed the lecture’s revival, describing it as a key platform for advocacy and national development through improved road safety practices.

Kazeem said the lecture was initiated by former Corps Marshal Osita Chidoka, to give FRSC national and international visibility, while educating road users and other stakeholders on safety issues.

He noted that although it should have reached its 17th edition by now, the return of the lecture series demonstrated FRSC’s renewed commitment to deepening the national road safety conversation.

“It was created to raise awareness, highlight FRSC activities, and engage transporters, passengers, motorcyclists, and institutions in efforts to reduce road crashes,” Kazeem added.

In his goodwill message, Mr Muhammad Ali, Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), urged the media to amplify road safety messages and panel discussions from the event.

He said media organisations must take up the responsibility of educating motorists and the public, urging strict compliance with traffic rules and cautious behaviour on Nigerian roads.

“We are entering an era of smart traffic systems. Driverless cars exist elsewhere. The media must help Nigeria transition by supporting and promoting relevant transport safety policies,” he said.

Ali commended the FRSC for its tireless work in reducing road deaths, curbing traffic indiscipline, and advancing smart traffic management, stressing the need for stronger media collaboration.

He noted that only through effective media support could the corps’ road safety campaigns achieved the wide acceptance needed to make meaningful, lasting impacts across the country.

The event was chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, and attended by Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Sen. George Akume, among other top dignitaries and stakeholders.

Keynote speaker Mr Saul Billingsley, Executive Director of the FIA Foundation, London, addressed the forum alongside retired DCMs, government officials, private sector partners, and civil society leaders. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Tinubu directs military reinforcement to crush banditry in Katsina
Defence/Security

Tinubu directs military reinforcement to crush banditry in Katsina

By Muhyideen Jimoh

President Bola Tinubu has directed the Armed Forces of Nigeria to deploy advanced hardware and surveillance systems in Katsina State to counter rising attacks on civilians by bandits.

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‎The president gave the directive during a meeting with Katsina leaders, led by Gov. Dikko Radda, at the State House on Tuesday evening.

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‎According to a statement by Presidential spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu emphasised the urgency of addressing insecurity across Nigeria, starting with vulnerable regions like Katsina.

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‎The president said the Federal Government would consider the operations of a State Police, and further equip recently deployed forest guards.

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‎Tinubu criticised those politicising the state police initiative, stressing the need for community-based security outfits familiar with local terrains and culture.

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Onanuga quoted the president as saying: ‎”The security challenges that we are facing are surmountable. Yes, we have porous borders.

“We inherited weaknesses that could have been addressed earlier. It is a challenge that we must fix, and we are facing it.

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‎”I have today directed all the security agencies to energise further and look at the strategies. We have approved the additional acquisition of drones.”

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‎Tinubu has also ordered daily operational reports on Katsina to ensure constant oversight and quick responses.

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He said: ‎”I am reviewing all the aspects of security; I have to create a state police. We are looking at that holistically.

‎”We will defeat insecurity. We must protect our children, people, livelihood, places of worship, and recreational spaces. They can’t intimidate us.”

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‎Tinubu also assured that former President Muhammadu Buhari would be immortalised, citing his legacy as a foundation for national continuity.

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‎He continued: “The time we lost our brother, President Buhari, is a loss for all of us. It is the will of God Almighty, but he has left in a good way.

‎”He didn’t hand over a defeated country, a battered political structure, but a legacy of success, which is the most important thing.

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‎”We just have to continue praying that Almighty Allah should grant him Aljannah Firdausi and give the rest of us the ability to stand very strong and push Nigeria forward. Not to look back in sorrow but move forward with success.

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‎”It would have been regretful if we had lost the elections to the other parties. There are no other wishes he would have had than to have Katsina State and the Presidency intact.”

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‎Radda thanked Tinubu for prioritising Katsina, including appointments of indigenes to strategic roles and ongoing infrastructure development.

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‎”Mr president, I would like to thank you very much, and I want to say before our elders that I never came to the President with a request that he rejected.

‎”We thank you, Mr President, for sharing with Katsina. You are a true son of Katsina State. I recall that Katsina was the first state you visited and spent a night in. We thank you for the privilege.

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‎”We are here again, Mr President, I know that you are aware of the problem affecting our state,” he added.

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‎Radda appealed for greater Federal support in security, youths empowerment, and critical infrastructure projects.

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‎The former Governor of Katsina state, Aminu Masari, expressed appreciation for the state funeral accorded to the late president Buhari, calling it a mark of deep respect.

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‎Masari reaffirmed the loyalty of Katsina to the Tinubu administration and its security vision.

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‎The Waziri of Katsina, Sen. Ibrahim Ida, praised Tinubu’s commitment to infrastructure, particularly the Kano-Maradi Rail project.

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‎He also urged for an upgrade of the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport to enhance functionality and regional connectivity.

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‎Ida stressed that Southern Katsina required heightened security presence from the Federal Government to further protect lives and restore peace. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

PAVE Network inaugurates media initiative to counter violent extremism
Defence/Security

PAVE Network inaugurates media initiative to counter violent extremism

By Sumaila Ogbaje/EricJames Ochigbo

The Steering Committee of the Partnership Against Violent Extremism (PAVE) Network has called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to curb violent extremism and build resilience across Nigeria.

Chairman of the committee, Mr Jaye Gaskia, made the call on Monday in Abuja, at the opening of a two-day roundtable and inauguration of the Media Against Violent Extremism (MAVE) network.

The event, with the theme: “Amplifying Voices for Peace: Media Partnerships in Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) and Resilience Building,” was co-organised by ActionAid Nigeria and the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF).

The PAVE is a national civil society network present in 22 states, working to strengthen coordination and partnerships among government, civil society, communities, and other actors while advancing context-driven PCVE practices.

Gaskia stressed that Nigeria’s fight against violent extremism could not be won in isolation, urging synergy among government, civil society, the media, communities, and the private sector.

He noted that the Policy Framework and National Action Plan for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PF-NAP) rests on four pillars.

These, according to him are, strengthening institutions and coordination, promoting rule of law and human rights, engaging communities and building resilience, and integrating strategic communications.

“At the heart of this framework lies communication. How we frame issues, how we report, and how we build narratives determine whether we fuel division or foster peace.

“That is why the media is not a bystander in PCVE, but a frontline actor,” Gaskia said.

He explained that MAVE was created to empower journalists, editors, broadcasters, and digital practitioners to responsibly drive narratives of peace.

“Through MAVE, we seek to build a nationwide platform of media professionals that will stand as a united voice against violent extremism, amplify resilience, and work collaboratively with stakeholders.

“The media must be more than chroniclers of violence; the media must be co-creators of peace,” he said.

The PAVE chairman also urged journalists to prioritise accuracy over sensationalism, while the government should adopt and implement State and Local Action Plans on PCVE.

He called on civil society to promote equity and inclusion, and on the private sector to invest in prevention strategies, reliable data, and livelihood opportunities for women and youth.

In his remarks, ActionAid Nigeria Project Coordinator, Mr Aliyu Adamu, said the media has significant influence in shaping public perception and narratives about violence and crime.

He warned that poor reportage could discourage investment and tourism.

“The MAVE initiative is designed to mainstream PCVE, protect national image, and prevent violence.

“We want to see conflict-sensitive reportage that promotes productivity and attracts investment,” he said.

Also speaking, GCERF National Coordinator, Ms Yetunde Adegoke, said the fund has supported projects across the North-Central and North-West since 2016 to build community resilience.

She urged the media to make PCVE a public agenda, stressing that “just one story can set a place ablaze, and one story can also bring peace.

“We see the media playing a critical role in scaling up prevention efforts and we hope it will be a key driver of this movement,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Remi Koleoso and Yakubu Uba

Ex-NDA commandant tasks officers on unity, life after service
Defence/Security

Ex-NDA commandant tasks officers on unity, life after service

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Former Commandant, Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), retired Maj.-Gen. Patrick Akpa, has urged officers of the Short Service Course 33 to sustain brotherhood forged in service and prepare deliberately for post-retirement life.

Akpa gave the advice on Saturday night at the inaugural reunion dinner of SSC 33 to mark their 22nd anniversary in Abuja.

He said he considered the course dear to his heart because of his role in planning the intake as Military Secretary, and also being the commandant when they passed out of NDA.

“Course mates are brothers from different mothers. The bond is strong because it was forged out of love, shared hardship, physical indoctrination and adversity in training.

“That glue lasts for life – from the academy until you go six feet below the ground,” he said.

Akpa said he was impressed that SSC 33 convened the reunion while many members were still serving, saying it was worthy of emulation.

He praised the theme of the event, which is, “Legacy for Excellence, Uniting for a Greater Tomorrow”, stating that reunions provided rare opportunities for officers to reconnect with colleagues, families and widows of fallen classmates.

The retired general also paid tribute to military wives and widows for the burdens they bear on the home front, especially amid frequent deployments and the uncertainties of counter-insurgency operations.

“Just as the husbands are fighting, the wives are also contributing to national development. And widows, whose husbands paid the ultimate price, must never be abandoned,” he said.

On career paths, Akpa reminded officers that whether regular or short service, promotion depended on merit, not entitlement.

According to him, it is not a chieftaincy title. The officer decorates the rank, not the rank decorating the officer.

He advised serving officers to begin preparing for retirement early, warning that military life was “addictive” and could make many forget the need to build a secure future.

“With hindsight, I would say the day you are commissioned should be the day you start thinking of retirement. Do not retire until you have adequate security for your family.

“Choose carefully if you venture into business or politics after service. Select a line you have passion for. Do not rush into risky investments or allow others to run your business for you.

“By staging this reunion, you have done something novel. May the memory of your fallen comrades remain eternal, may the bonds of your brotherhood never fade, and may your collective future shine brighter than the past.”

Earlier, the President of SSC 33, Col. Ikechukwu Akabike, described the 22nd anniversary and reunion of the course as a celebration of enduring camaraderie, sacrifice and service to the nation.

Akabike said the gathering was not just of individuals but of a family bound together by shared experiences, trials and triumphs.

According to him, the bonds they formed during training have endured the test of time, and it is a testament to the strength of our camaraderie that we continue to support and inspire one another.

Akabike recalled the hardships and sacrifices of military training, noting that they helped shape officers of “character, courage and dedication” who have left a mark on the Nigerian Army.

He also paid tribute to departed colleagues, stressing that though absent in body, “their memories and legacies continue to inspire us.” (NAN)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

FRSC reassures NANS of commitment to safety of students
Defence/Security

FRSC reassures NANS of commitment to safety of students

By Ibironke Ariyo

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has reiterated its commitment to the safety and wellbeing of Nigerian students and all road users.

The FRSC gave the assurance following a strategic meeting with the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).

This is contained in a statement by the Corps Public Education Officer (CPEO), Mr Olusegun Ogungbemide, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.

The Ogungbemide said that the meeting was convened at the instance of the Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed.

He said this was in response to recent concerns raised by NANS over the incessant crashes involving articulated vehicles, which had unfortunately claimed lives of one or two students in Edo.

According to him, the corps marshal expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased students, describing every life lost on Nigerian roads as “a wound to the conscience of the nation”.

The FRSC boss assured the students body that their voices have not only been heard, but were already shaping deliberate actions to end the menace of reckless driving by truck operators.

“Our students are the future of this country. Losing them to avoidable crashes is not just painful, it is highly unacceptable.

“This meeting is not about shifting blames, but about finding lasting solutions together. FRSC is prepared to work hand in hand with NANS to ensure that no family has to mourn a child because of a preventable crash,” he said.

Mohammed used the opportunity of the meeting to outline ongoing and intensified measures being deployed by the FRSC to address the menace of truck crashes across the country.

He listed this to include partnership with major fleet operators like the Dangote and BUA Groups.

He revealed that the FRSC had so far trained and certified thousands of heavy duty truck drivers across Ibese, Obajana, and other depots.

He said that more training were ongoing in Okpella and Gboko, with focus on defensive driving, fatigue management, and adherence to traffic regulations.

He added that recently, more than 2,700 trucks were subjected to rigorous checks in line with FRSC’s annual fleet operators’ certification to ensure that only roadworthy vehicles were on Nigerian highways.

”The corps is strengthening its patrol and surveillance systems with technology that tracks driver’s behaviour, while pushing for speed limiting devices and improved safety standards for heavy duty vehicles.

“Beyond enforcement, FRSC is engaging critical stakeholders, students, transport unions, fleet owners, and community leaders.

‘This is through town hall meetings across all formations to collectively drive behavioural change and instill safety consciousness on Nigerian roads.

“This engagement with NANS is not a one-off meeting but the beginning of a sustained partnership with Nigerian students,” the corps marshal said.

The FRSC boss assured the public that the corps would continue to prioritise safety through empathy, enforcement, and education.

He appealed to students and the general public to remain calm, assuring that decisive steps were being taken to end the needless tragedies on Nigerian roads.

He emphasised that no protest was more powerful than a united commitment to save lives, adding that the corps was ready to raise the bar of safety on Nigerian roads.

In his remarks, Lucky Omonefe, the immediate Past National President and serving Ex-Officio 1 of the association, said the corps invitation had demonstrated sincerity and respect for the Nigerian student community.

He noted that dialogue and not confrontation remained the strongest path to progress.

”We came with anger, but we are leaving with hope. What we have seen today is a leadership that listens. Dialogue is the tool we must all embrace to change drivers’ behaviours, stop recklessness, and reduce carnage on our roads,” he said.(NAN)

Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Deborah Coker

UNODC, WOTCLEF urge youth to champion safe, legal migration
Defence/Security

UNODC, WOTCLEF urge youth to champion safe, legal migration

By Ibironke Ariyo

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has called on young Nigerians to take up the role of champions in promoting safe and legal migration within their communities.

Mrs Aisha Braimah, UNODC National Project Officer, made the call at a workshop in Abuja on Wednesday during the screening of an infomercial on migrant smuggling.

Braimah said the initiative was under the project “Strengthening Evidence-Based Response to Combat Smuggling of Migrants in Nigeria (Phase II),”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project was being implemented in partnership with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), iLEAD Africa, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), and WOTCLEF.

Braimah said that the purpose of the infomercial was to translate the findings of UNODC’s reports on smuggling of migrants, which revealed that young people were disproportionately vulnerable to exploitation by both smugglers and traffickers.

“It is very important that with every sensitisation that we do, we are making sure that we speak to the young people, being the most vulnerable groups.

Braimah explained that the documentary was developed to bridge the gap in knowledge, using real stories, data and visual storytelling to raise awareness on the risks, while also promoting safe and equal migration information.

According to her, the goal is not necessarily for you to leave or stay, but to ensure that if you do choose to leave, it is safe and legal.

She, however, emphasised that the day’s screening was not about awareness raising alone, but also about empowerment.

She said “through the video that will be screened for you and the responses to your questions on the phenomenon of smuggling of migrants and migration pathways, you will be positioned as champions within your own communities.

Braimah said that youth corps members who belong to the Community Development Service (CDS) group, and other participants were best positioned to step down sensitisation efforts within their communities.

She urged participants to reflect deeply on the video and subsequent presentations during the session, in order to play active roles in championing safe migration practices across Nigeria.

“By equipping you with knowledge, advocacy tools and civic responsibility, we aim to strengthen prevention efforts at both grassroots and national levels, and with your help, we hope you can spread the message more widely,”she said.

In her goodwill message, Executive Director of WOTCLEF, Mrs Imaobong Ladipo-Sanusi, stressed that empowering young people with prevention tools against migrant smuggling was key to tackling the menace.

Ladipo-Sanusi said that empowerment and prevention mechanisms, especially through the infomercial, would help young people to make informed decisions on migration.

She said that smuggling of migrants was closely tied to human trafficking, describing the phenomenon as “a benefit for the smugglers and a crime to the state.”

She, however, expressed confidence that the message from the infomercial would help participants to carry the sensitisation far and wide.

“We want the youth to run with this message. They are the speed rangers who will take it across communities. If you want to migrate or ‘japa’, you must do so through safe, orderly and regular pathways,” she said.

She thanked UNODC and partners for convening the session and urged participants to be ambassadors of safe migration in their respective communities.

Participants at the workshop and screening of the infomercial on Migrants smuggling were youth corps members, representatives from iLEAD Africa, UNODC, NIS, OHCHR among others.(NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

FRSC, EFCC partner to tackle economic sabotage, road crashes
Defence/Security

FRSC, EFCC partner to tackle economic sabotage, road crashes

By Ibironke Ariyo

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have entered into a strategic partnership to curb economic sabotage and reduce road traffic crashes (RTCs) in the country.

The agreement was made when the FRSC Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed led his team on a courtesy visit to the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede on Tuesday in Abuja.

Speaking during the strategic engagement, the FRSC boss amplified the urgent need for the strategic partnership between the agencies to confront the twin threats of reckless driving and its attendant fatalities.

This, he said, were as well as the financial hemorrhage resulting from such recklessness.

Mohammed maintained that road safety was not merely a transport issue but a national security and economic imperative.

He said that it required a multi sectoral approach to safeguard human lives and stabilise Nigeria’s economic trajectory.

He, however, said the alliance between the two institutions signalled that unlawful transport practices and road carnage would no longer be tolerated.

He added that the partnership represented integrity, law enforcement and public safety, while setting a new standard for institutional collaboration to protect lives, preserve resources and secure the future.

“With this partnership, Nigerians can expect a tougher, more coordinated crackdown on economic crimes linked to the transport sector.”

He said it would be a renewed offensive against the culture of impunity that has long endangered lives and undermined national progress.

“The message is clear. Economic sabotage and reckless endangerment of lives on our roads will be confronted with the full weight of the law as FRSC and EFCC.

“We believe that together, we are determined to raise the bar of strategic partnership,” he said.

Responding, the Executive Chairman of EFCC, Olukoyede, emphasised that the two organisations share strikingly similar mandates.

Olukoyede maintained that both agencies interface directly with the Nigerian public in ways that deeply affect lives, safety, and national prosperity.

He stressed that beyond combating economic crimes, the EFCC was also charged with addressing economic sabotage.

This, he said was an area where transport operators who flout regulations cause devastating ripple effects on national growth and citizens’ welfare.(NAN)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Nigeria, EU, UN collaborate to combat technology-driven terrorism threats
Defence/Security

Nigeria, EU, UN collaborate to combat technology-driven terrorism threats

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing emerging technology-driven terrorism threats in partnership with the European Union (EU), the United Nations (UN) and Interpol.

The National Coordinator, National Counter Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser (NCTC-ONSA), Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, reteirated this on Monday in Abuja at the opening of the second national workshop under the CT-Tech Plus Initiative.

CT-Tech, which is Counter-Terrorism Technologies Initiative is a UN–led programme aimed at helping countries deal with the misuse of emerging technologies by terrorists, while also ensuring human rights and the rule of law.

Laka said that the workshop was focused on assessing threats stemming from the use of new technologies for terrorist purposes, and developing national counter-terrorism policies and operational responses.

He expressed appreciation to the UN Office of Counter-terrorism, the UN Counter-terrorism Centre, Interpol and the EU for their steadfast support and collaboration with Nigeria in the fight against terrorism.

According to him, the CT-Tech Plus initiative is a two-year joint programme of the UN Office of Counter-terrorism, the UN Counter-terrorism Centre and Interpol funded by the EU.

He said the programme was designed to support partner states in addressing the evolving risks posed by terrorists’ exploitation of emerging technologies, while ensuring that responses remain anchored in the rule of law, human rights and gender sensitivity.

The coordinator said the workshop was built on the success of the first national workshop on Nigeria’s law enforcement capabilities for new technologies in counter-terrorism, held in July.

He added that Nigeria recognised the urgent need to anticipate, assess and mitigate threats from digital platforms, encryption, unmanned systems and artificial intelligence increasingly exploited by terrorist groups.

Laka commended the wide representation of stakeholders, including policymakers, security and law enforcement agencies, criminal justice actors, regulators and subject matter experts.

According to him the inclusiveness reflects Nigeria’s whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to counter-terrorism.

He encouraged participants to contribute actively to the workshop, adding that deliberations and recommendations would feed directly into Nigeria’s counter-terrorism strategy and review reports.

Speaking on behalf of the Head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr Zissimos Vergos, Chargé d’Affaires of EU Delegation to Nigeria, said the EU stood firmly with Nigeria and other partners in what he described as “the most asymmetric war” facing global, regional and national security.

Vergos said the threat of terrorism was not only to security, but also to economies, democracy, human rights and peaceful coexistence, adding that international cooperation remained critical in tackling the menace.

According to him, the EU’s counter-terrorism approach is rooted in doctrines of prevention, protection, prosecution, response, as well as counter-radicalisation and the fight against violent extremism.

The EU official noted that technological advances had increased vulnerabilities, adding that individuals with the right skills could cause catastrophic damage using digital tools.

He, however, commended Nigeria’s progress in building counter-terrorism and cyber capabilities, citing the establishment of the National Cybercrime Centre, the Army Cyber Defence Unit and the NCTC’s in-house expertise.

”Nigeria’s regional engagements, such as the West African Police Information System, further demonstrate the country’s commitment to collective security.

”EU views its partnership with Nigeria not merely as capacity building but as a peer-to-peer collaboration anchored on mutual trust and feedback,” he said.

Similarly, Ms Kimairis Toogood, Peace and Development Advisor, Office of the UN Resident Coordinator, urged Nigeria and its partners to adopt new technologies in counter-terrorism efforts responsibly and in full compliance with human rights standards.

Toogood said the initiative would “strengthen Nigeria’s law enforcement framework to counter the misuse of technology by terrorists while upholding the rule of law and protecting fundamental rights.”

She added that the threats posed by the misuse of technology were evolving faster than the ability of national and global institutions to respond, presenting serious challenges to law enforcement and security agencies worldwide.

“New and emerging technologies hold transformative potential for development and human rights.

”But the same tools; artificial intelligence, encrypted communication and virtual assets are increasingly exploited by terrorists for recruitment, radicalisation, financing and attacks,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Deborah Coker

ECOWAS to raise 260,000 rapid deployment counter-terrorism force – President
Defence/Security

ECOWAS to raise 260,000 rapid deployment counter-terrorism force – President

Deployment

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has announced plans to activate a 260,000-strong rapid deployment counter-terrorism brigade to strengthen the fight against terrorism in the subregion.

President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Touray, made this known at the inaugural African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit in Abuja.

He was represented by Amb. Abdel-Fattah Musah, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, ECOWAS Commission.

Touray said the force would provide logistics and financial support to frontline states, adding that Ministers of Finance and Defence from member countries would meet in Abuja on Friday to finalise modalities for an annual 2.5 billion dollar budget.

“This bold initiative has become necessary given the asymmetric security dynamics in our region.

“We are conscious of the fact that this requires the necessary financial resources and capabilities to make it a reality.

“ECOWAS is therefore throwing the gauntlet to bilateral and multilateral partners to complement this daring regional effort,” he said.

The ECOWAS leader explained that the force would complement the African Union’s standby force framework under the African Peace and Security Architecture.

He stressed that the Sahel region had become the epicentre of global terrorism, accounting for 51 per cent of terrorism deaths worldwide in 2024.

According to him, local communities, women and children in particular, have borne the brunt of state retreats and coercive protection of jihadi forces.

“The war economy from illegal mining and illicit taxation is also worsening insecurity,” he added.

Touray urged the AU and the UN to support regional counter-terrorism operations, reminding participants of the UN Security Council Resolution 2719 of December 2023 which pledged to fund 75 per cent of African-led peace support operations. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba
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