The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, on Monday, expressed optimism that Nigeria would not only be safer and more secure by 2030 but would stand proudly as a recognised regional centre of excellence for counterterrorism and a beacon of resilience across the African continent.
Mallam Ribadu, who was represented by the National Coordinator, National Counter Terrorism Centre, Major-General Adamu Laka, gave the assurance while speaking in Abuja at the launch of the National Counter Terrorism Centre’s Strategic Plan (2025–2030).
He pointed out the launch marked the unveiling of a major policy document and also the beginning of a new chapter in Nigeria’s effort to counter terrorism and to strengthen the nation’s prevention and countering of violent extremism interventions.
“The Strategic Plan (2025–2030) therefore emerges as both a roadmap and a national commitment, building on the gains of the National Counter Terrorism Strategy, aligning with the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022, and reaffirming our vision of a secure, resilient and stable Nigeria capable of leading regional efforts against terrorism and violent extremism.
“This Strategic Plan is a product of extensive research, interagency collaboration and consultations across government ministries, security institutions, academia, civil society and our international partners.
“It reflects collective wisdom and shared resolve. Its vision is clear: to establish the National Counter Terrorism Centre as a Regional Centre of Excellence in Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism in West Africa and the Sahel
“Its mission is equally ambitious: to provide leadership in preventing, disrupting and combating terrorism through a coordinated, integrated, whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach,” he said.
Continuing, he lamented that “over the past 2 decades, Nigeria has borne the brunt of terrorism and violent extremism in Africa. From the insurgency in the North-East to emerging threats in the North-West and the South-East, the nature of terrorism has continuously evolved, becoming more transnational, technologically enabled and ideologically complex.”
He stated that the nation’s security operations remained uncompromising against terrorist threats, while the non-kinetic engagements address the underlying drivers of radicalisation and instability.
He said that the plan being launched reinforced the resolve to deploy both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches in a balanced, intelligence-driven and citizen-centred manner.
He, however, called for collaboration and unity of all and sundry in the successful implementation of the new plan, insisting that no single institution or agency could single-handedly defeat insurgency.
According to him, “as we launch this Strategic Plan today, I call on every Nigerian, every public servant, every security professional and every partner nation to see themselves as key stakeholders in its implementation.
“No single institution can defeat terrorism alone. It requires unity of purpose, shared responsibility, and unwavering collaboration across the whole-of-government and whole-of-society spectrum.
“By integrating these approaches within a unified national framework, the Strategic Plan strengthens our ability to safeguard communities, support affected populations and ensure the safety and security of every citizen of this Country.
“With the support of the President and Commander-in-Chief, and with the strong backing of the Legislature under the leadership of the President of the Senate, we are confident that by 2030, Nigeria will not only be safer and more secure but will stand proudly as a recognised regional centre of excellence for counterterrorism and a beacon of resilience across Africa.”
The NSA explained that “the Plan articulates 9 strategic priorities that shape Nigeria’s counterterrorism posture over the next 5 years, these include enhancing intelligence analysis and operational coordination, strengthening legal and judicial support for terrorism prosecutions, deepening implementation of the National Counter Terrorism Strategy and developing new national frameworks such as the Resilience Plan, the Counter-IED Enterprise Plan and the Strategic Communication Action Plan.
“The Plan also prioritizes advancing Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism programmes, promoting bilateral and regional cooperation, building continental capacities and positioning the National Counter Terrorism Centre as a Centre of Excellence for training, research and operational support.
“Further priorities include strengthening institutional capacity through recruitment and professional development and identifying and mobilising additional sources of funding to sustain implementation. Each priority is supported by measurable indicators to ensure transparency, accountability and real impact.”
Speaking at the occasion, the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, who was the special guest of honour, reaffirmed the commitment of the National Assembly towards giving strong legislative backing to the implementation of the new plan towards ending insurgency activities in the country.
He said that the Strategic Plan 2025–2030 offered a framework for transforming the nation’s institutions, modernising the security architecture, strengthening national resilience and expanding partnerships across government, industry, civil society and the international community.
