Stakeholders In the security sector are reviewing the National Counter Terrorism Strategy, to broaden perspective on emerging threats, the evolving tactics of terrorist organizations, and the lessons learned from counterterrorism operations over the years.
It is against this backdrop that the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) Office of the National Security Adviser, in Collaboration with the EU-UN Global Terrorism Threats Facility is holding a 2-Day National Counter Terrorism Strategy (NACTEST) workshop for its stakeholders in Abuja, Nigeria’s Capital.
The review of document that has guided the fight against terrorism since 2016 has become necessary inorder to capture the realities of the current threat environment not just within Nigeria, but observing patterns within the Sahel, the region and across the globe.
Addressing participant at the workshop drawn from Ministries, Departments, Agencies, civil society organizations, and international partners, the Coordinator, National Counter Terrorism Centre, Major General Adamu Laka, said following expert review from previous stakeholders’ engagements, a robust, inclusive, revised strategy that is fully aligned with international best practices that will stand the test of time has been drawn up.
The NCTC Coordinator, General Laka, revealed sequel to the declaration by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Counter Terrorism Centre is transitioning into a Regional Centre of Excellence for Counterterrorism in West Africa and the Sahel which demands that Nigeria produce a National Counter Terrorism Strategy that meets Nigeria’s needs and also sets a benchmark for the Region.
“The Centre’s expanded role as a Regional Centre of Excellence includes spearheading capacity-building efforts for West African and Sahelian states”
General Adamu Laka further appreciated the EU-UN Global Terrorism Threats Facility for their support and all of the partners of the centre in the pursuit of counterterrorism initiatives.
Also the Director Policy and Strategy NCTC, Commodore Ahmad Madawaki emphasized that the National Counter Terrorism Strategy approach is built on the fundamental pillars of “Whole of Government and Whole of Society and The Whole of Government approach”.
He highlighted that it is important that the final document meets legal and international requirements, including human rights, gender, humanitarian law, incorporate all national, regional and international legislations that relate to terrorism.
“We acknowledge that terrorism is a global phenomenon that requires international cooperation and support and as such we will seek the support of the international community, including financial and technical assistance, in enhancing our counter-terrorism efforts”
“Through this collaborative process, we are confident that our National Counter Terrorism Strategy will be comprehensive, effective and responsive to the needs of our nation” Commodore Ahmad Madawaki stated.
Olusola Akintonde