The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) has urged the media to exercise responsibility, safeguard sensitive security information, and seek clarification through designated official spokespersons when reporting on ongoing counter-terrorism operations across Nigeria.
The call follows recent reports published by some online platforms concerning security operations in forested areas of Kwara State, which the Centre described as inaccurate and capable of undermining operational safety.
According to a statement by the Head of Strategic Communications, National Counter Terrorism Centre, Abu Michael, “the NCTC, under the Office of the National Security Adviser, continues to coordinate and support law enforcement, security and intelligence agencies in line with the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022.”
The Centre explained that “Nigeria’s counter terrorism framework, guided by the National Counter Terrorism Strategy (NACTEST), includes the deployment of hybrid forces, combining regular security personnel with trained auxiliary elements to operate effectively in difficult terrains, including forests.”
This approach, the NCTC noted, previously informed the engagement of the Civilian Joint Task Force in the North East, where trained civilian volunteers supported Armed Forces operations against Boko Haram insurgents.
The same operational model, it said, currently applies in parts of the North West and North Central, where hybrid deployments are aimed at degrading the capabilities of bandit, criminal and terrorist groups, with recorded operational successes.
Clarifying the situation in Kwara State, the Centre stated that ongoing operations follow the same established framework, stressing that limited public information is deliberate due to the sensitive nature of such engagements.
It explained that details are restricted to prevent operational compromise and to protect the safety of both security personnel and auxiliary forces.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the statement said, “the Nigerian Government and its agencies are not conducting kinetic operations with any socio-cultural groups.”
The NCTC also dismissed claims that the Office of the National Security Adviser had provided arms to any socio-cultural organisation, describing such reports as false and misleading.
It clarified that all hybrid personnel involved in counter terrorism operations are recruited directly by authorised security and intelligence agencies after due diligence, and that all operations are conducted strictly in accordance with the law and established standard operating procedures.
The Centre therefore advised the public to disregard unverified reports that misrepresent the conduct of counter terrorism operations, while urging the media to uphold professional standards and national responsibility in security reporting.
The NCTC reaffirmed its commitment to an open-door policy aimed at deepening stakeholder understanding of Nigeria’s counter terrorism efforts and sustaining public trust.