ONSA Launches Counter-Terrorism Strategy to Tackle Rising Insecurity
Nigeria on Monday launched its Counter Terrorism Strategic Plan 2025–2030, a renewed national blueprint aimed at addressing the country’s persistent security challenges, including kidnappings, banditry and threats posed by Boko Haram and ISWAP.
The plan was unveiled in Abuja by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, during an event organised by the National Counter Terrorism Centre, under the Office of the National Security Adviser.
Akpabio described the new document as more than a policy framework, saying it signified a recommitment to protecting the lives and future of Nigerians.
“It is a moment when Nigeria again reaffirms that our people deserve to live without fear, that our children deserve a future of peace, and that our nation must be secured to prosper,” he said.
The Senate President noted that insecurity had weakened several sectors of the economy, leading to school closures, withdrawal of investors and the abandonment of farmlands.
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“As President of the Senate, I have seen how insecurity weakens the foundations of development. The Strategic Plan 2025–2030 answers this question with vision, discipline and ambition,” he added.
Akpabio said the National Assembly had passed multiple laws to improve defence, policing, intelligence coordination and cybersecurity, but stressed that legislation alone could not secure the nation.
“We must invest in people, technology, training and strategic partnerships,” he said, emphasising the need for collaboration among citizens, traditional institutions, the private sector and international partners.
Representing the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Maj. Gen. Adamu Laka, said the new strategy resulted from extensive research, consultations and inter-agency cooperation.
Laka said the long-term objective was to establish the centre as a regional hub for counter-terrorism and violent extremism efforts across West Africa and the Sahel.
Nigeria has battled terrorism, mass abductions and violent crimes for over a decade, with communities in the North-East, North-West and North-Central zones worst affected.
The new plan is expected to guide reforms in intelligence sharing, law enforcement coordination and community engagement over the next five years.
By PRNigeria
