In March 2023, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari inaugurated the new Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and National Counterterrorism Centre (NCTC) in Abuja.
The new buildings reinforce a major commitment by Nigeria, a key Coalition partner, to tackling terror in the region, enacting the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022 which designated the NCTC as the coordinating body for countering terror and terrorism funding across the country.
The new NCTC demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to remaining at the forefront of counterterrorism efforts. The centre will act as a platform to facilitate the coordination of activities implemented by Nigerian stakeholders to defeat terrorism in all forms.
Amidst the changing nature of the security landscape in Nigeria and beyond, the NCTC accommodates the needs of emerging security threats, including progressing the counter-ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province) and Boko Haram mission.
In addressing those attending the inauguration, the National Security Adviser (NSA), retired Major-General Babagana Monguno acknowledged the changing and dynamic nature of security in the country, and the need for the adaption and expansion of some of ONSA’s functions beyond assessing security concerns. To this effect, the NSA noted during the inauguration event on 21st March 2023:
“The new office for the National Counterterrorism Centre is designed to accommodate the additional workforce and improved technological capabilities of the Centre, particularly the Explosive Devices Analysis Office – EDAO, increasing activities of the Countering Violent Extremism – CVE Department and the Joint Terrorism Analysis Branch.”
NSA Monguno noted that the facilities would further enhance Nigeria’s contribution to global counterterrorism policy and practice efforts and give impetus to Nigeria’s internal, bilateral, and multilateral cooperation and collaboration in tackling the terrorism and violent extremism.
During the inauguration, President Buhari noted that the new additions to Nigeria’s security infrastructure facilitate the effective coordination of national security and counterterrorism efforts. President Buhari also acknowledged Nigeria’s considerable achievements in the fight against terrorism, armed banditry, kidnapping, crude oil theft, piracy, militancy and cybersecurity.
Image credits: The National Counterterrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser