The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) has initiated the review and validation of Nigeria’s revised National Counter Terrorism Strategy (NACTEST), aimed at strengthening the country’s response to terrorism and violent extremism.
NCTC Coordinator, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka disclosed this during a high-level workshop organised to finalise the consolidated draft of the revised strategy.
The event brought together key stakeholders drawn from Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), civil society organisations, and international partners.
The NCTC first developed NACTEST in 2015 and revised it in 2016. For nearly a decade, the document has guided Nigeria’s national counterterrorism efforts.
Laka said the ongoing revision seeks to address the root causes of violent extremism, enhance inter-agency coordination, and incorporate both emerging threats and lessons learned from past counterterrorism operations.
“However, 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 learned from our counterterrorism 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,” he said.
Laka noted that experts and representatives from various sectors provided inputs during the review process. He said these contributions helped produce a robust and inclusive draft that aligns with international best practices.
He said the review process coincided with Nigeria’s transition of the NCTC into a Regional Centre of Excellence for Counterterrorism in West Africa and the Sahel. President Bola Tinubu recently announced this transition.
Laka explained that the development underscores Nigeria’s leadership role in regional security, stressing the need for a strategic framework that meets national needs and serves as a benchmark for neighbouring countries.
“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 counterterrorism 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.
The Director of Policy and Strategy at NCTC, Commodore Ahmad Madawaki, said the strategy development process achieved significant progress through a collaborative approach.
Madawaki said the review draws strength from the two key pillars: Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society.
“The Whole-of-Government approach ensures that our counter-terrorism efforts are coordinated, comprehensive and effective while the Whole of Society approach engages communities, civil society organisations and the private sector in building trust, promoting social cohesion and countering extremist ideologies.
“As we review and finalise the draft strategy, we must ensure that it meets legal and international requirements, including human rights, gender and humanitarian law.
“We will also incorporate all national, regional and international legislations that relate to terrorism.
“Our strategy must address the current security challenges and ensure that all ministries, departments and agencies understand their roles and responsibilities as it relates to the implementation of the strategy,” he said.