Tinubu Set to Launch Revised Counter-Terrorism Strategy in October
Tinubu Set to Launch Revised Counter-Terrorism Strategy in October
President Bola Tinubu is set to unveil Nigeria’s revised National Counter-Terrorism Strategy in October, following a comprehensive review designed to align the nation’s security framework with emerging threats.
This was disclosed on Tuesday by the National Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, Maj. Gen. Adamu Laka, during the third-quarter stakeholders’ meeting of NACTEST in Abuja.
He confirmed that the updated document has been completed and submitted to the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for approval.
“I am pleased to report that the review process has reached a critical stage. The revised draft of the National Counter-Terrorism Strategy, which reflects all inputs gathered during the validation exercise, has been finalised and forwarded to the National Security Adviser for approval,” Laka stated.
The final step will be to secure a suitable date for His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, to officially launch it,” Laka said.
He explained that the review, which began in February 2025, was prompted by the changing nature of terrorism — including new tactics, the use of emerging technologies, and the exploitation of social and economic vulnerabilities.
According to him, the revised strategy was strengthened through wide-ranging consultations involving government institutions, security agencies, civil society groups, academia, the private sector, and international partners.
“The real test of this strategy lies in its effective implementation, and every stakeholder has a role to play as outlined in the document. Its success depends on our collective ownership and the translation of its provisions into coordinated actions across the five pillars: Prevent, Protect, Identify, Prepare, and Implement,” Laka said.
He stressed that Nigeria’s leadership in counter-terrorism efforts within West Africa and the Sahel comes with added responsibility to demonstrate innovation and coordination in tackling violent extremism.
“As the NCTC strengthens its position as a Regional Centre of Excellence for Counter-Terrorism in West Africa and the Sahel, implementing this strategy becomes even more critical. Nigeria is being looked up to for leadership, coordination, and innovation in combating terrorism and violent extremism in the region. The revised strategy therefore provides not only a roadmap for safeguarding our nation but also a model for the subregion,” he added.
The NCTC Director of Policy and Strategy, Commodore Ahmad Madawaki, explained that the review process was inclusive, engaging ministries, departments, agencies, civil society groups, the private sector, traditional and religious leaders, as well as international partners.
“Hopefully, the next invitation you receive from us will be for the official launch of the revised strategy by Mr. President in October. Afterwards, we can reconvene as stakeholders to work on NACTEST’s implementation plan,” Madawaki said.
He further noted that the strategy was built on both the “Whole of Government” and “Whole of Society” approaches championed by the President, ensuring that it is comprehensive, community-driven, and aligned with global best practices. According to him, the document will serve as a framework for coordinated counter-terrorism efforts nationwide.
