Insecurity: Tinubu to unveil revised national counter-terrorism strategy

The National Coordinator, National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, on Tuesday, disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would officially unveil the revised national counter-terrorism strategy in October this year

Laka, who stated this in Abuja while speaking at the third quarter stakeholders’ meeting of NACTEST, explained that this followed an extensive review process designed to align the nation’s security framework with emerging threats.

The NCTC boss explained that the document had been finalised and forwarded to the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, for approval.

He said, “I am pleased to report that the review process has now reached a decisive milestone.

“The revised draft National Counter Terrorism Strategy, which incorporates all feedback received during the validation exercise, has been finalised and forwarded to the NSA for approval.

“The final step will be to secure a suitable date for His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu to officially launch the revised National Counter Terrorism Strategy.

“This launch will mark the culmination of our collective efforts and the beginning of a new phase in our national counterterrorism expedition,” he said.

Laka further explained that the review, initiated in February this year, was necessitated by the evolving nature of terrorism, including shifting tactics, the use of new technologies, and the exploitation of social and economic vulnerabilities

According to him, the revised strategy was enriched through consultations, workshops, validation sessions, and technical reviews that brought together government institutions, security agencies, civil society organisations, academia, the private sector, and international partners.”

Laka pointed out that the true measure of success lies in its faithful implementation, and we all have a role to play as defined in the strategy.

He said, “The strategy can only succeed if we collectively own it and translate its provisions into practical, coordinated actions across the five work streams: Prevent, Protect, Identify, Prepare, and Implement.

“As the National Counter Terrorism Centre consolidates its position as a Regional Centre of Excellence for Counterterrorism in West Africa and the Sahel, the implementation of the National Counter Terrorism Strategy takes on an even greater significance.

“Nigeria is being looked upon for leadership, coordination, and innovation in addressing terrorism and violent extremism in the region, especially leveraging our experience over the years.

“The revised National Counter Terrorism Strategy, therefore, provides us with a roadmap for securing our nation and as a model across the subregion.

“Thus, its success has implications far beyond our borders.”

In his remarks, the Director of Policy and Strategy, NCTC, Commodore Ahmad Madawaki, disclosed that the revised document was developed through an inclusive process, engaging ministries, departments, and agencies, as well as civil society, the private sector, traditional and religious leaders, and international partners

He explained that the Centre adopted both the “Whole of Government” and “Whole of Society” approaches, championed by the President, to ensure the new strategy is comprehensive, community-driven, and in line with international best practices.

“Hopefully, the next invitation you will get from us is the formal launch of the revised strategy sometime in October by Mr President,” he said.

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