NCTC boss restates FG’s commitment to tackle violent extremism

The National Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, on Monday, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment towards tackling violent extremism through inclusive dialogue, strategic partnerships, and support for victims.

Gen Laka gave the assurance while speaking at a policy dialogue and training on victims’ assistance and the prevention of violent extremism held in Abuja in collaboration with Colombia’s Unit for the Attention and Integral Reparation of Victims, under the South-South Cooperation framework.

The NCTC boss pointed out that the dialogue was part of a technical mission to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to implement its National Action Plan for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE).

According to him, while kinetic operations remain important, they are not sufficient; sustainable peace requires community-based approaches that focus on prevention, healing and resilience.

He explained further that Nigeria’s strategy was anchored on a Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society approach, mobilising security, justice, education, health and traditional institutions to work collectively.

He highlighted Colombia’s long-standing peacebuilding experience as a valuable resource, especially in post-conflict reintegration and victim rehabilitation.

He said that Nigeria was already making progress with the establishment of community peace committees and early warning systems to prevent human rights violations and build inclusive responses.

The NCTC boss urged the stakeholders to share practical solutions and best practices that could enrich national policies and programmes, adding that victims’ dignity must remain at the centre of the national response.

He said, “We appreciate Colombia’s solidarity and leadership, and we look forward to a deeper and sustained partnership.”

While responding, the Head of the Colombian delegation and Deputy Director, Colombia’s Agency for the Renewal of the Territory, Mr. Sebastián García, commended Nigeria’s efforts in strengthening local peace mechanisms and community-based prevention systems.

He explained that Colombia and Nigeria had deepened cooperation on peacebuilding and victim support while seeking shared solutions to violent extremism through South-South collaboration.

“We are here not just to share, but to learn. Our countries may be oceans apart, but our struggles and our hopes are the same,” he said.

Also speaking at the occasion, the Etsu of Kwali, Mr Luka Nizassan III, called for a stronger, budget-backed approach to preventing violent extremism in Nigeria, saying there was a need for national and state budgets to reflect human security priorities.

He said that prioritising prevention would help to save resources and enable development to thrive.

According to him, every budget line should be tied to reducing terrorism’s root causes, pledging commitment to grassroots peacebuilding and multi-sectoral coordination.

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