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Tag: NCTC

  • NCTC boss: Responsible reporting key to FG’s counterterrorism efforts

    NCTC boss: Responsible reporting key to FG’s counterterrorism efforts

    The National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Office of the National Security Adviser, Major General Garba Laka, has cautioned the media against reporting sensitive information that could jeopardize the Federal Government’s ongoing counterterrorism efforts.

    General Laka appealed end-of-the-year media parley with Defence Correspondents in Abuja on Tuesday.

    He said, “In an era of instant news cycles, digital virality, and intense competition for breaking stories, the line between public interest and national security imperatives can sometimes become blurred.

    “Operational details, intelligence-led activities, and ongoing investigations are, by their nature, highly sensitive. Premature or detailed disclosure of such information, however well-intentioned, can compromise operations, endanger lives, undermine ongoing efforts, and inadvertently aid adversaries who actively exploit open-source information.”

    Laka praised the media for its consistent support, saying its reporting had helped shape public understanding of complex security realities, amplify national counterterrorism narratives, and improve awareness of security issues, thereby strengthening public confidence in the government’s counterterrorism efforts.

    He said, “As a Centre, we have long recognized and deeply valued the consistent support you have extended to our work. Through accurate reporting, responsible commentary, and constructive engagement, you have played a vital role in enhancing national awareness, countering extremist propaganda, and promoting unity in the face of adversity. These contributions are both significant and deeply appreciated.

    “At the same time, this parley provides an important platform to reiterate a matter of critical national interest: the need for caution in the handling and dissemination of sensitive security information. In an era of instant news cycles, digital virality, and intense competition for breaking stories, the line between public interest and national security imperatives can sometimes become blurred.

    “Operational details, intelligence-led activities, and ongoing investigations are, by their nature, highly sensitive. Premature or detailed disclosure of such information, however well-intentioned, can compromise operations, endanger lives, undermine ongoing efforts, and inadvertently aid adversaries who actively exploit open-source information.

    “Ladies and gentlemen, our appeal, therefore, is not for silence, but for responsibility. Not for restraint in holding institutions accountable, but for discernment in separating what should be reported immediately from what should be handled with caution or deferred in the overriding interest of national security.”

    Laka noted that national security and press freedom are not opposing forces but complementary pillars of a stable democracy, stressing that while a well-informed public is essential, so too is the protection of sensitive operational processes that safeguard citizens and those on the frontlines of security.

    He said that, as partners, the NCTC encourages continued dialogue, consultation, and mutual trust, even as it remains committed to engaging the media through briefings, background sessions, and structured information sharing to ensure that reporting is accurate, well-contextualized, and does not inadvertently jeopardize national security objectives.

    The NCTC boss emphasized that evolving terrorist and bandit tactics require stronger coordination, deeper intelligence sharing, and strategic communication that denies criminals publicity while reassuring citizens of the state’s resolve and capacity.

    “As we look ahead to the coming year, our collective task remains clear: terrorism, violent extremism, and organized criminals continue to evolve in form and tactics. Countering them requires efficient strategic communication, public awareness, and national cohesion.

    “In this regard, the media remains a vital ally. Therefore, your continued cooperation and understanding are indispensable. We count on your continued support, understanding, and responsible partnership as we work together to keep Nigeria safe, secure, and united,” Laka said. 

  • NCTC debunks claims of aiming socio-cultural group to fight banditry

    NCTC debunks claims of aiming socio-cultural group to fight banditry

    • …urges media restraint on counter-terrorism efforts

    The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), has debunked claims that the ONSA supplied arms to a socio-cultural organization to fight banditry.

    The denial follows reports on some online platforms claiming that a member of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, who was arrested in Kwara State, was allegedly found in possession of a rifle reportedly issued by the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) for security operations in the state.

    The NCTC, in a statement on Wednesday by its Head of Strategic Communications, Abu Michael, said the federal government and its agencies do not conduct kinetic operations with any socio-cultural groups, contrary to claims circulating in online reports.

    According to the statement, pursuant to Part III, Sections 4, 5, and 6 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022, the NCTC coordinates and supports law enforcement, security, and intelligence agencies in countering all forms of terrorism in Nigeria.

    The statement explained that, in line with the National Counter Terrorism Strategy (NACTEST), Nigeria’s kinetic approach includes the deployment of hybrid forces. This involves the coordinated use of regular security forces and trained irregular auxiliaries—such as hunters and vigilante groups—to operate in difficult terrains, including forest areas.

    According to the statement, this approach previously guided the engagement of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in the North East. The CJTF comprised trained civilian volunteers who worked alongside the Armed Forces in operations against Boko Haram.

    “The same strategy currently informs hybrid deployments in parts of the North West and North Central. These operations are aimed at degrading the capabilities of bandit, criminal, and terrorist groups. This approach has yielded several successful outcomes,” the statement said.

    It explained further that all hybrid personnel are recruited directly by authorised security and intelligence agencies following due diligence, and that all operations are conducted in accordance with the law and established standard operating procedures.

    “The situation in Kwara State is not different. However, media reports on the matter are inaccurate. The limited public information is due to the sensitive nature of these operations. Details are restricted to prevent operational compromise and to protect the safety of personnel and auxiliary forces,” the statement said.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, the Federal Government and its agencies are not conducting kinetic operations with any socio-cultural groups.

    “Claims that the Office of the National Security Adviser has provided arms to any socio-cultural organisation are false and should be disregarded.”

    The NCTC, therefore, urged Nigerians to disregard unverified reports that misrepresent the conduct of these operations.

    It also cautioned the media to exercise responsibility, protect sensitive security information, and seek clarification through designated official spokespersons.

    “The National Counter Terrorism Centre remains committed to an open-door policy to deepen stakeholder understanding of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts,” the statement said.

  • FG rallies security agencies, telecoms, media against kidnapping

    FG rallies security agencies, telecoms, media against kidnapping

    The federal government has called for stronger collaboration among security agencies, telecom operators, and the media to enhance Nigeria’s national response to the growing menace of kidnapping.

    The National Coordinator National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Office of the National Security Adviser, Major General Adamu Laka, made the call during a High Level Stakeholders’ Workshop on the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell (MAAKFC), in Abuja, on Wednesday.

    Established in December 2024, the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell, domiciled at the NCTC, is responsible for coordinating the efforts of the military, intelligence and law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders toward enhancing Nigeria’s capacity to prevent, disrupt, and respond to kidnapping, with the overarching objective of saving lives.

    General Laka noted that kidnapping remains the common trend that runs across the country’s security threats, serving as a major source of financing for criminal and terrorist networks, and enabling criminal groups to procure logistics, perpetuate their reign of terror, and, in some cases, exert territorial control.

    Laka said that the growing national and international concern over the trend of kidnapping in the country prompted strategic collaboration between Nigeria and the United Kingdom to establish the Cell, to coordinate the efforts of the military, paramilitary agencies and other critical stakeholders toward enhancing Nigeria’s capacity to prevent, disrupt, and respond to kidnapping.

    According to the NCTC boss, despite notable successes achieved since the establishment of the Cell, certain operational gaps have been identified, particularly the need to integrate key stakeholders such as the media, telecommunication operators, and social media platforms into the kidnapping response framework.

    “This workshop therefore provides a timely opportunity to deliberate on how these stakeholders can be effectively integrated into the Multi-Agency Kidnap Fusion Cell architecture to enhance national kidnap management,” he said.

    Laka noted that the workshop forms part of the NCTC’s deliberate efforts to strengthen coordination, intelligence sharing, and operational synergy in curtailing the menace of kidnapping in the country.

    He emphasized that the initiative aligns with the centre’s mandate to coordinate counterterrorism efforts nationwide, while supporting ite broader vision of becoming a Regional Centre of Excellence in Counterterrorism in West Africa and the Sahel.

    According to NCTC boss, the Cell comprised analysts drawn from the military, intelligence services, and law enforcement agencies. He said the personnel, equipped with the requisite training, have generated actionable intelligence leading to the rescue and release of hostages, as well as the disruption of kidnapping syndicates across the country.

    “To further close the gap between national coordination and state-level response, the Centre conducted a state expansion programme in July 2025 for Anti-Kidnap Commanders of the Nigeria Police Force and Department of State Services from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, to strengthen operational linkages and eliminating communication barriers,” Laka said.

    The NCTC boss urged participants at the workshop to raise critical issues, share their experiences, and propose practical solutions that could support national efforts in rescuing victims, dismantling kidnap networks, and safeguarding our communities.

    He also urged them to maintain close liaison with the Cell upon returning to their respective organisations, and to “provide continuous feedback that will support ongoing rescue operations and foster stronger interagency collaboration.”

    The Acting High Commissioner, British High Commission, Gill Lever, said the UK government was highly impressed by the activities of the country since its establishment, assuring that the UK government would continue to support Nigeria’s counterterrorism and anti-kidnapooing efforts.

    Head of UK’s National Crime Agency, Chris Gibson, said effective collaboration and communication among various critical stakeholders is key to the continued success of the cell.

    He urged Nigerians to continue to support the government’s efforts, stressing that “anti-kidnapping is a responsibility of every citizen.”

  • FG trains security agents on crisis response, tightens control on IED materials

    FG trains security agents on crisis response, tightens control on IED materials

    In a bid to step up efforts to curb the menace of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) by non-state actors, the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) has begun specialized training for first responders and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel. 

    The training organised was in preparation for the multi-agency Crisis Response Exercise codenamed Exercise Rapid Response 2.

    Speaking at the event on Tuesday, the NCTC), Maj.-Gen. Garba Adamu Laka, said the training was aimed at building the capacity of bomb technicians, security agencies and emergency responders to detect, defuse and respond swiftly to IED threats across the country.

    Maj.-Gen. Laka described IEDs as the “weapon of choice” for terrorist groups, noting that many troops had been maimed or killed by such attacks in the Northeast.

    NCTC boss explained that the insurgents had shifted tactics, exploiting materials easily sourced in the open market as well as unexploded ordnance.

    He said, “What we are doing here today is bringing together first responders to train them on how to respond to various IED threats.

    “At the NCTC, part of our mandate is to ensure that materials used for producing IEDs are properly controlled.” 

    “Anything that has to do with ammonium in particular is a concern. That is why the movement of urea fertiliser to the North East is restricted, because ammonium can be extracted from it and used to produce explosives.

    “What the insurgents then began doing was to improvise unexploded ordnance, using pressure plates, batteries and even mobile phones as detonators.

    “That is why we continue to regulate the movement of such materials while training responders on how to detect and neutralise them.” 

    Laka underscored the role of technology in amplifying Nigeria’s counter-IED capacity, stressing that constant innovation was needed to stay ahead of evolving terrorist tactics.

  • FG begins phase 7 Kainji mass trial of terrorism suspects

    FG begins phase 7 Kainji mass trial of terrorism suspects

    The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has commenced Phase 7 of the Kainji Mass Trials for terrorist suspects.

    According to a statement from the Strategic Communication Office of the NCTC, over 50 suspects have begun the process, starting yesterday, with the number expected to rise in the coming days.

    The Nation recalled that, in December 2024, the Federal Government secured the conviction of more than 200 terrorists successfully prosecuted during the Phase 6 terrorism trials held at the Kainji detention facility in Niger State.

    Speaking at the flag-off of the trial, yesterday, the National Coordinator of NCTC, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Garba Laka, emphasised that the trials represent Nigeria’s unwavering pursuit of justice and reaffirm its resolve to confront terrorism through lawful and transparent means.

    “These trials are a cornerstone of our national commitment to upholding the rule of law while addressing terrorism and violent extremism,” he said 

    Laka noted that Nigeria had recorded significant successes in strengthening its criminal justice capacity to handle terrorism-related offences. 

    He highlighted that recent progress in the prosecution of such cases has played a critical role in addressing concerns raised by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

    “Indeed, the advancements made through these trials have greatly contributed to Nigeria’s efforts toward exiting the FATF Grey List,” he said.

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    He commended the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, and the Justices of the Federal High Court for their professionalism and dedication to justice. 

    Laka also acknowledged the valuable support of international partners, investigators, legal teams, and support staff.

    The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), represented by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Mohammed Babadoko Abubakar, commended the collaborative efforts of the ONSA and various local and international stakeholders for their ongoing support and contributions to the trials.

    He reiterated the federal government’s commitment to ensuring justice for both victims and accused persons, within a framework that upholds the rule of law and respects human rights.

  • FG to empower 150 million affected by insecurity through agriculture

    FG to empower 150 million affected by insecurity through agriculture

    The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has stated that no fewer than 150 million Nigerians have been affected by insecurity across the country.

    Ribadu said this after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) on Friday in Abuja.

    The NSA stated that despite Nigerians being predominantly farmers, insecurity has severely disrupted their livelihood, leaving many struggling with hunger. He emphasized the need for a whole-of-society approach to address the root causes of insecurity in the country.

    He said: “Security is the biggest challenge we are facing across all sectors, but agriculture is the most vulnerable to insecurity. As a nation of predominantly farmers, insecurity directly impacts our livelihoods. 

    “Whether you are a farmer or from a farming family, we have all been affected in one way or another. Insecurity has turned our lives upside down. By coming together, we can better address this issue. We must unite to restore security and normalcy to our people’s lives.

    “Our people desperately need relief. I don’t think there is any country in the world today facing the same magnitude of challenges we are. Given our large population, the number of people affected by insecurity in Nigeria could exceed 120 to 150 million.”

    Ribadu stated that the perpetrators of insecurity aim to destroy the country, but that the government would never allow them to succeed. 

    “The malicious elements are becoming more aggressive, having already destabilized democracies in neighboring countries,” he said.

    “Sudan is in turmoil, and similar challenges are evident in Chad, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali. However, thanks to our security forces, we remain resilient in the Sahel region. We are facing difficulties, but we are managing to survive.’”

    The NSA said the signing of the MOU between NCTC and IITA marked a pivotal moment in the nation’s journey towards sustainable peace and security.

    “For too long, our approach to countering terrorism has relied predominantly on kinetic responses. While essential, we’ve come to realize that lasting peace requires more than force alone. Addressing the root causes of violent extremism – such as poverty, lack of opportunity, and social disenfranchisement – is equally crucial. This understanding underpins our whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach,” he said.

    According to him, the collaboration with IITA on the Agribusiness and Livelihood Empowerment Project for Disarmament, Demobilisation, Deradicalisation, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration of terrorists, communities affected by violent extremism was a testament to this evolving strategy.

    He said the partnership is commitment to non-kinetic approaches that empower individuals, restore livelihoods, and promote social cohesion. 

    According to the NSA, Nigeria has made significant strides in Demobilization, Deradicalization, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration programmes, most notably through Operation SAFE CORRIDOR in Mallam Sidi, Gombe State. 

    “We are also witnessing a growing willingness among terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers in the North West regions to surrender,” he said.

    National Coordinator of NCTC, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, stressed the need to address the root causes of violent extremism such as poverty, marginalization, and lack of opportunity through inclusive, whole-of-government and whole-of-society solutions.

    He said Federal Government’s Disarmament, Deradicalization and Reintegration (DDR) programme, in Gombe State, has already yielded significant gains, with many low-risk former combatants successfully rehabilitated and reintegrated. 

    “It is in this context that we consider agriculture as a critical tool for driving economic empowerment, restoring livelihoods, and promoting social cohesion in conflict-affected communities,” he said. 

    Laka said the signing of the MOU marks a key milestone in the shared efforts to build resilience and reduce the drivers of violent extremism through livelihood empowerment. 

    He added thy the document will serve as a strategic framework to guide the implementation of the Agribusiness and Livelihood Project, which targets ex-combatants, conflict-affected communities, and widows of fallen soldiers. 

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    “Through this project, beneficiaries will gain access to land, inputs, training, mentorship, and market linkages supported by collaboration with state and local governments, civil society, and the private sector,” he said.

    The Deputy Director General of IITA, Dr. Denshell Kenton, stated that the implementation principles are not new, noting that they have been tested and proven effective.

    “These are not quick fixes.The focus is on long-term, sustainable, positive changes that lead to communities becoming much better places to live.

    “Because each person and family, one, have enough good quality food, and two, respectable incomes and living conditions that leads to the overall community being stable and prosperous. And when we have many communities, or all communities, in an area that are improved, then we have success.

    “I pledge to you that IITA is ready, willing, and able to be your partner in Zamfara, Gombe states, and any other states that decide to join this dynamic partnership that we’re having with NCTC.’

    “We don’t claim to have all the answers, but I promise you we will work day and night with commitment and motivation in partnership with you to make communities where we are working together safe, stable, and productive communities,”.

  • Fed govt launches bold plan to curb flood disasters

    Fed govt launches bold plan to curb flood disasters

    In a decisive move to mitigate the annual devastation caused by flooding and other climate-induced disasters, the federal government on Wednesday unveiled a comprehensive Anticipatory Action Framework, signalling a bold shift from reactive disaster response to proactive preparedness.

    Vice President Kashim Shettima officially launched the framework at a validation workshop held at the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser, Abuja.

    The initiative is designed to harness early warning systems, community-based engagement, and pre-arranged financing mechanisms to reduce loss of lives and protect vulnerable communities.

    A key component of the strategy involves establishing a dedicated trigger group comprising meteorological and emergency management agencies that will synthesise data to enable forecasts up to two weeks in advance.

    According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima described the framework as a timely intervention to confront the rising threats of climate-induced disasters such as floods, which affected over five million Nigerians in 2024.

    “These disasters are no longer distant threats. They are here, knocking at our doors, sweeping through our streets, flooding our homes, and testing not only our moral sensitivity but the depth of our preparation,” he said.

    The Vice President stressed the urgent need to dump the costly and inadequate reactive approach to disasters for a more proactive measure.

    He stated, “For decades, our response has been reactive. We wait for the waters to rise, for the homes to vanish, and then we scramble for relief. This late arrival of support costs more and saves fewer lives.

    “We lose close to 5% of our GDP every year to reactive disaster responses. This approach is not only unsustainable, it is also deeply unjust to the most vulnerable among us. This is why we must act before disasters unfold”.

    The VP explained that the new framework is built on three strategic pillars, including “early warning systems powered by satellite technology and delivered through community-based networks to provide life-saving information in real time.

    “The second is pre-triggered financing. No plan can succeed without resources made available before the storm arrives. The third is localised preparedness.

    “Studies have shown that anticipatory action can reduce losses by up to 60 per cent. That is not just a statistic. It is hope. It is the future of millions salvaged before ruin,” he added.

    Senator Shettima drew instances from Benue State where trained volunteers, responding to early warning alerts, evacuated over 80,000 people within 72 hours.

    “That is what it means to build early warning systems that work. It’s not just about integrating forecasting tools, but delivering timely alerts in languages our people understand,” the Vice President stated.

    He explained that the trigger group is composed of national agencies, including NiMet, NiHSA, NEMA, NASRDA, and NOA, working in collaboration with UNOCHA, WFP, FAO, and the IFRC.

    “We cannot leave here with only communiqués and good intentions. We must take ownership of this framework, embed it into our institutions, and stay accountable to its promise,” the Vice President told participants at the workshop.

    Earlier in his keynote address, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, said the Tinubu administration is committed to supporting the operationalisation of the Anticipatory Action Framework for Nigeria.

    He stressed the need for response agencies and intervention organisations to utilise the National Social Register to lay the foundation for a flood-resistant nation, noting that the register is a national resilience infrastructure.

    The Minister recommended the enactment of a risk management and data sharing protocol, the establishment of a national risk and sustainable coordination centre, early funding for anticipatory actions, and the deployment of technology to enable real-time monitoring of situations across the country.

    On his part, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall, commended Nigeria for taking the bold step in leading the institutionalisation of coordinated humanitarian response to disasters in the region.

    According to him, the rest of West Africa is looking up to what is being done in Nigeria, as successes recorded in the country will permeate the rest of the region.

    In his welcome remarks, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, said the workshop is a crucial step towards building a resilient and progressive nation, emphasising that poorly managed disasters can exacerbate insecurity, enable displacement, disrupt critical infrastructure and deepen societal fragilities.

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    He also noted that efforts aimed at strengthening the anticipatory capacity of the nation are a priority of the Tinubu administration, as it is essential in sustaining lives and securing national assets, among other goals.

    On her part, the Special Assistant to the President on Humanitarian Affairs and Development Partners, Mrs Inna Audu, said the workshop was designed to accelerate the country’s journey towards a national early warning system that is integrated, inclusive, and anticipatory.

    She noted that President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima are deeply committed to building a disaster-resilient Nigeria, stressing that the time for piecemeal responses was over and that stakeholders must shift to systems thinking where data, people, and policies are interconnected, and where foresight guides interventions.

    There were also goodwill messages from the European Union and representatives of response agencies, development partners, Civil Society Organisations, and the private sector, among others.

  • JUST IN: Kidnap for ransom reduced by 16.3 percent in 2024, says NCTC

    JUST IN: Kidnap for ransom reduced by 16.3 percent in 2024, says NCTC

    The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) said that kidnapping for ransom has reduced by 16.3 percent in 2024, compared to the previous year.

    The national coordinator of the NCTC, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Garba Laka, announced this during a press briefing on Thursday.

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    He said while the incidences have reduced the number of victims have increased by 0.27 percent.

    Laka said that Kaduna, Katsina and Zamfara top in the states with high kidnap incidents.

    Details shortly….

  • No agency can win fight against terrorism alone, says NCTC boss

    No agency can win fight against terrorism alone, says NCTC boss

    The National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in the Office of the National Security Adviser, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, has stressed the importance of continuous collaboration among security stakeholders to combat terrorism in the country. 

    He said since no agency can solely achieve laudable success in the fight against terrorism, there was the need for security stakeholders to work together, identify their crucial roles and collaborate to record great progress in the country’s counter-terrorism efforts.

    The NCTC boss said collaboration was crucial, as it allows for the sharing of resources, expertise, and information to effectively prevent and respond to terrorist threats.

    Gen. Laka said this on Monday, December 9, at a five-day “Counter Terrorism Theory and Practice Course”, in Abuja.

    He said by adopting collaborative strategy, security stakeholders can enhance their capacity to prevent and respond to terrorist threats, ultimately ensuring a safer and more secure environment for all citizens.

    The NCTC boss said the course, facilitated by the Nigeria-UK Strategic Defence Partnership, had created the avenue for national development that embodies a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach in addressing terrorism concerns in the country. 

    He said: “There is no doubt that terrorism has a profound negative impact on the nation, our fellow citizens as well as international partners. Globally, the carnage unleashed by terrorists has led to devastating loss of lives and properties. Recently, acts by terrorists and other criminal elements to disrupt the Country’s socio-economic activities is of serious concern and must be adequately tackled through continuous collaboration by security stakeholders. Thus, this Course is a welcome development and could not have come at a better time.

    “Noting that no agency can solely achieve laudable success in the fight against terrorism, it once again emphasizes the need for us to work together, identifying our crucial roles and collaborating to record great progress in the Country’s aviation security. It therefore stresses the need for inter-agency collaboration and cross-border relationships to stem this tide because terrorism recognizes no borders.

    “In view of this, the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser in collaboration with the UK Counter Terrorism team seeks to address counter terrorism measures that could be employed in enhancing the country’s national security through this course. 

    “This course reaffirms a call to re-awakening collaborative efforts which we all must embrace, as victory by one is victory by all of us and a greater victory for our entire nation, the African continent and the world at large.”

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    In his remarks, the Head of Counter Terrorism Network for West Africa in the British High Commission, Abuja, Lawrence Devlin, said the course would address the foundamental themes in counter-terrorism by taking a broad view of the security challenges in the 21st century.

    “The course seeks to build upon the UK’s commitment to partner with Nigeria to address our shared security challenges,” Davlin said.

    The Course Facilitator, Dr. Aaron Edward, said his intention was to build on the collaborative efforts of the NCTC and share with the participants, which were drawn from the military, Police and paramilitary, ministries, agencies and departments, some of the experiences of the UK’s in battling the challenges of terrorism.

  • IEDs posing serious threats to national security, says NCTC boss

    IEDs posing serious threats to national security, says NCTC boss

    The National Coordinator, National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Maj-Gen. Adamu Laka, has said that the country is facing significant challenges with the use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) by terrorists.

    He said this posed the ‘most serious’ threat to ‘our national security, security personnel and our citizens.’

    Gen. Laka said this on Tuesday, November 19, at a 2-day Counter Improvised Explosive Device Training for various security agencies and services, organized by the NCTC, in Abuja.

    The NCTC boss said IEDs have become a tool of terror used by insurgents, militants, bandits, and criminal elements to destabilize communities, destroy infrastructure, and inflict fear and suffering on innocent lives.

    “You may recall the recent blackout in the northern part of Nigeria as a result of five power transmission lines along the Shiruru Mundo electricity line that were brought down by insurgents using improvised explosive devices,” he said.

    The Counter-terrorism Chief said the training was part of the planning by the Presidential Communication, Command, and Control Centre in preparation for the 2024 Crisis Response Exercise, scheduled for November 25 to 29.

    He said the Crisis Response Exercise was aimed to empower security agencies and relevant ministries, departments and agencies on interagency cooperation and coordination using the National Crisis Management Doctrine during a national crisis.

    Gen. Laka said the NCTC was coordinating the counter IEDs training was further create a platform for the NCTC to assess the readiness of participants in countering Improvised Explosive device procedures and operations.

    He said: “Let me also state that the overall objective of this counter Improvised Explosive device training is to improve on the technical capacity of explosive ordnance disposal personnel to respond effectively in a counter-terrorism response setting.

    “It is therefore carefully designed to refresh and sustain the capabilities of explosive ordnance disposal and canine operator on the effective operations of the various counter Improvised explosive device equipment at their disposal as well as their engagement in uniformity of counter Improvised explosive device procedure and cooperation among the various agents.

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    “It is also planned to test the participants’ command and control structures and to ensure that decision-making processes are clear, swift, and efficient. Furthermore, as a centre, we look forward to seeing how you foster rapid response to countering improvised explosive device threats in the country and also assess your ability to execute your responsibility effectively under pressure conditions.”

    He urged the participants to be open to one another and engage in a way that would allow them to learn from each other’s expertise from the successes of this training.

    “This approach will lead to a successful exercise of rapid response and thereafter enhance the national security of our dear country in the long term,” Gen. Laka said.