The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Maj.-Gen. Adamu Garba Laka

  • Terrorists exploit socio-political vulnerability to remain relevant, says NCTC boss

    Terrorists exploit socio-political vulnerability to remain relevant, says NCTC boss

    The National Coordinator, National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in the Office of the National Security Adviser, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Garba Laka, has said that terrorist groups are exploiting new technologies and exploiting socio-political vulnerabilities to stay relevant.

    Gen. Laka this on Tuesday at the stakeholders meeting on the review of National Counter Terrorism Strategy (NACTEST) 2016, in Abuja.

    He said this dynamic nature of the terrorists’ tactics has necessitates a comprehensive review of NACTEST 2016.

    The NCTC boss said the review of the counter terrorism document, which was first published in 2016, would ensure the continued effectiveness in countering terrorism in the country.

    Read Also: FG unveils plan to tackle growing unsafe water crisis

    He said: “The Strategy was first published in 2016, and despite its relevance at the time, it has not undergone a review to reflect the evolving security landscape.

    “As we all know, the threats we faced in 2016, and those we anticipated then, are quite different from the realities of today’s security environment. Terrorist groups have adapted their tactics, leveraged new technologies and exploiting socio-political vulnerabilities.

    “This dynamic nature of the threat landscape necessitates a comprehensive review of NACTEST to ensure its continued effectiveness in countering terrorism in Nigeria.”

    He said the Centre convened the meeting to engage all stakeholders in reviewing the strategy and adapting it to the current security dynamics. 

    “This review is particularly important as we have come to understand the necessity of a more holistic and non-kinetic approach to counterterrorism. 

    “While kinetic operations remain crucial in dismantling terrorist networks, we recognize that addressing the root causes of radicalization is most essential,” he added.

    He restated that the Centre has as it’s mandate to coordinate and integrate the activities of security, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies in the fight against terrorism in the country. 

    He added that the Centre has continued to play a vital role in detecting, preventing, and responding to threats, while fostering inter-agency cooperation and international collaboration.

    “As we review NACTEST, we must align it with this mandate to ensure a more structured and effective counterterrorism approach,” Laka said 

    “Additionally, the importance of partnerships cannot be overemphasized. The Centre recognizes that inter-agency collaboration, cooperation with international partners, and engagement with civil society organizations are fundamental to a successful counterterrorism strategy. 

    “The review of NACTEST must incorporate insights from all stakeholders, government institutions, security agencies, the private sector, academia, and the international community to ensure a well-rounded and effective framework.”

    Earlier in his remarks, Director Policy and Strategy at the NCTC, Commodore Ahmad Madawaki, said that the implementation of NACTEST was the responsibility of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) with NCTC as a coordinating body. 

    He said: “The reorganisation of MDAs due to the Orosanye Report brought about the overhaul of Nigeria’s public sector which proposed the abolition of some MDAs and merging of others. 

    “This development calls for stock taking of NACTEST’s stakeholder list. Additionally, there have been new terrorism threats like the recent formation of the Lakurawa armed group in the north-west region. 

    “Additionally, we have recorded significant changes in the tactics used by terrorists. There is therefore the need to review NACTEST and its stakeholder list to capture the new or merged MDAs roles and responsibilities in order to meet the current terrorism dynamics which has become complex.It is for this reason that there has been a need to call you all here today.”

  • Violent extremism poses significant threat to national security, says NCTC boss

    Violent extremism poses significant threat to national security, says NCTC boss

    The National Coordinator, National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Maj.-Gen. Adamu Garba Laka, on Wednesday, said violent extremism remains one of the most complex security challenges that threatens Nigeria’s national security.

    He said that it has threatened the very fabric of countries’ communities, institutions, and social cohesion.

    Speaking at the opening of a workshop and Validation meeting on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) Guidelines and Strategic Communication Plan in Abuja, Maj.-Gen Laka said the workshop highlighted unified determination by all security agencies and other stakeholders to enhance the nation’s capacity to counter violent extremism and ensure the seamless implementation of PCVE strategies at every level of governance.

    The NCTC boss said the Federal Government had developed the Policy Framework and National Action Plan for PCVE to serve as a guiding strategy for a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach in tackling radicalisation and violent extremism.

    He said: “A policy is only as effective as its implementation, and that is why we are gathered here today, to ensure that we take deliberate and strategic steps toward localizing and operationalising this framework

    Read Also; Motherhood has stretched, refined me – Tonto Dikeh

    “Over the course of these two days, we will focus on the domestication and localisation of the PF-NAP for PCVE.

    “This will be done through exploring strategies to integrate PCVE principles into the operational frameworks of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, as well as at the state and local government levels.

    “We will also identify existing gaps, challenges, and opportunities for institutionalizing PCVE efforts across various sectors.

    “For the validation of the PCVE Guidelines and Strategic Communication Plan, we will conduct a thorough review of the draft PCVE Guidelines to ensure they align with national priorities, security realities, and international best practices.

    “Furthermore, we will validate the draft strategic communication plan, taking cognizance that effective messaging is crucial in countering extremist narratives, fostering positive community engagement, and ensuring that our responses remain proactive, and evidence-based.”

    Earlier, the Director of PCVE at NCTC, Amb. Mairo Musa, said the main objectives of the workshop were to enhance understanding of the policy framework on preventing and countering violent extremism and facilitating its localisation at the institutional state and community levels.

    According to her, effective implementation requires domestication, ownership, and integration within existing government agencies and security structures.

    She said it was to also assess, refine, and validate the strategic communication plan to align with the evolving security landscape and leverage effective messaging to counter extremist narratives and promote peace-building efforts, “foster cross-sectional collaboration and information sharing, strengthening multi-sector stakeholder synergy in PCV implementation.”

    ‘It is expected that the outcome will strengthen understanding of the PCV-PFNAP amongst MDAs at the state, institutions, and other stakeholders with clear strategies for its localisation and institutionalisation,” she said.