AU Accredits Nigeria’s NCTC as Regional Counter-Terrorism Center for West Africa, Sahel
The African Union (AU) has accredited Nigeria’s National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), as a Regional Centre of Excellence in Counter Terrorism for West Africa and the Sahel.
The accreditation recognises Nigeria’s role in coordinating regional counter-terrorism efforts and strengthening cooperation against security threats across the continent.
The announcement was made on Tuesday by the Acting Director of the AU Counter-Terrorism Centre, Dr Idriss Mounir Lallali, at the conclusion of the African Lessons Learned Forum in Abuja.
A statement signed by Abu Michael, Head of Strategic Communication at the NCTC-ONSA, yesterday in Abuja.
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The development follows President Bola Tinubu’s declaration at the High-Level African Counter-Terrorism Meeting held in Abuja in April 2024. The declaration was subsequently reflected in the Abuja Declaration, which outlined commitments to strengthen collective action against terrorism in Africa.
As part of the accreditation process, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed in September 2025, followed by an assessment of the NCTC in December 2025.
The accreditation is valid for an initial period of three years and may be renewed, subject to the applicable requirements.
The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, was represented at the event by the NCTC National Coordinator, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Garba Laka.
The recognition is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s position in regional counter-terrorism coordination and provide an avenue for closer collaboration among countries confronting terrorism and violent extremism in West Africa and the Sahel.
By PRNigeria
