The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) has convened a high-level workshop to review and validate the revised National Counterterrorism Strategy (NACTEST).
The NACTEST, which had guided the national counter-terrorism efforts for nearly a decade, was first developed in 2015 and revised in 2016.
The National Coordinator of NCTC, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka announced this at the workshop yesterday in Abuja.
The NCTC national coordinator explained that the review aims to enhance national and regional security amid evolving threats and terrorist tactics.
He emphasised the urgent need for a revised strategy that addresses new threats and incorporates hard-won operational experience.
Laka said: “Given the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the security landscape, it has become increasingly clear that a comprehensive review and update of this strategy are long overdue.
“This is necessary to ensure it reflects emerging threats, the evolving tactics of terrorist organisations, and the invaluable lessons learnt from our counter-terrorism operations over the years.
“Sequel to the expert review and the contributions made during the several stakeholders’ meetings, we now have a consolidated draft of the revised NACTEST.”
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The NCTC boss said the review incorporated valuable inputs from diverse stakeholders, including Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), civil society organisations (CSOs), and international partners.
He added that the varied perspectives have resulted in a draft strategy that is robust, inclusive, and aligned with international best practices, ensuring its long-term relevance.
Laka said the review came at a time the centre was transitioning into a Regional Centre of Excellence for Counter-Terrorism in West Africa and the Sahel, following the declaration by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to him, the transition underscores Nigeria’s leadership and commitment to regional security.
The NCTC boss noted that there was a need to produce a strategy that meets Nigeria’s needs and also sets a benchmark for the Region.
“This workshop is also carefully designed to ensure active participation and collective ownership of the revised strategy.
“Let us remain guided by the two foundational pillars of our counter-terrorism approach: the Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society strategies.
“These pillars remind us that terrorism is not only a security challenge but also a social and ideological one, requiring the combined efforts of government institutions and society at large,” he added.