9 Years After, Stakeholders Review “National Counter Terrorism Strategy”
Nine years after its last review, stakeholders have commenced a reassessment of the National Counter Terrorism Strategy (NACTEST) to address emerging security threats.
The strategy, first published in 2014 and last reviewed in 2016, is undergoing evaluation to ensure its relevance in the face of evolving terrorist tactics and technological advancements.
The review process was officially launched during a stakeholder meeting on Tuesday at the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, the National Coordinator of NCTC, Gen. Adamu Garba Laka, emphasized that the security landscape has drastically changed since the last review.
He noted that terrorist groups have adapted their strategies, exploited socio-political vulnerabilities, and leveraged new technologies, necessitating a more dynamic and responsive counterterrorism framework.
“The threats we faced in 2016 are quite different from today’s realities. This review is crucial to ensure NACTEST remains effective,” he said.
NACTEST serves as Nigeria’s strategic framework for countering terrorism through a coordinated, multi-agency approach. As a subset of the National Security Strategy, it provides guidance on security operations and inter-agency collaboration.
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However, Gen. Laka stressed that the evolving nature of terrorism requires the inclusion of non-kinetic approaches such as counter-radicalization efforts and community engagement to complement military interventions.
While acknowledging the role of kinetic operations in dismantling terrorist networks, Gen. Laka underscored the need to address the root causes of radicalization. “We have come to understand that security measures alone are not enough. A holistic approach that tackles ideological extremism and socio-economic grievances is essential in combating terrorism effectively,” he said.
He also reiterated NCTC’s commitment to fostering inter-agency cooperation and international collaboration to enhance counterterrorism efforts. The review process aims to integrate contributions from various stakeholders, including government institutions, security agencies, civil society organizations, the private sector, and academia.
“The importance of collaboration cannot be overemphasized. A successful counterterrorism strategy must incorporate insights from all relevant sectors,” Gen. Laka emphasized. He also acknowledged the role of international partners in strengthening Nigeria’s security framework.
Gen. Laka expressed confidence that the revised strategy would bolster Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts. He commended stakeholders for their unwavering support and urged them to contribute actively to the review process.
“Through our collective efforts, we will develop a strategy that is not only robust but also adaptable to the ever-changing security landscape,” he said.
