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Tag: Violent extremism

  • FG reviews policy, action plan on preventing violent extremism

    FG reviews policy, action plan on preventing violent extremism

    The federal government is set to review the Policy Framework and National Action Plan (PF-NAP) on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) in the country.

    A critical stakeholders’ consultative meeting for the review of the Policy Framework and National Action Plan for PCVE has already begun at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Abuja.

    Violent extremism has been identified as one of the most complex security challenges that threatens Nigeria’s national security, by weakening the very fabric of the country’s communities, institutions, and social cohesion.

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    Speaking at the meeting, the National Coordinator of NCT, Maj-Gen Adamu Garba Laka, said Nigeria has made significant strides in implementing various PCVE programmes and initiatives, since PF-NAP adoption in 2017.

    He said: “Our multi-sectoral, whole-of-government, and whole-of-society approach has enabled collaboration between government, civil society, and international partners, leading to impactful interventions at the national, state, and sub-national levels.

    “Despite the progress, challenges remain, and the need for a stronger strategic and adaptive framework that is inclusive has become even more apparent.

    “Looking ahead, our focus is on strengthening the institutionalization of PCVE through enhanced stakeholder engagement, coordination, and effective change management. This aligns with our vision for NCTC-ONSA to become a regional Centre of Excellence in preventing and countering violent extremism.

    “This vision also resonates with our international partners who emphasise sustainable, locally-led, and collaborative approaches to addressing violent extremism.”

    Earlier in her remarks, the Director PCVE in the NCTC, Amb. Mairo Musa Abbas said the primary objective of the meeting was to engage critical stakeholders in the review process of the existing PF-NAP,

    She said the key focus areas for the PF-NAP review include Assessing the Implementation of the 2017 PF-NAP, Institutionalizing Success Stories, Enhancing Coordination and Stakeholder Engagement, Strengthening Community Ownership and Local Action Plans, Aligning with Regional and International Best Practices, and developing a Strategic Communications Approach. 

  • 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

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    “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.