President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, on Monday formally launched the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) Strategic Plan 2025–2030, describing the document as a decisive step toward reshaping Nigeria’s security landscape and defeating terrorism in all its forms.
The high-level event, held in Abuja, attracted top government officials, service chiefs, diplomats, private-sector players, and development partners, all of whom endorsed the renewed national commitment to combating violent extremism.
Akpabio said the five-year strategic plan aligns with the Federal Government’s resolve to modernise Nigeria’s security architecture, strengthen institutional coordination, and protect citizens from emerging threats. He noted that insecurity has hindered national development, disrupted education, discouraged investment, and weakened communities across the country.
According to him, the new strategy “provides a disciplined framework to transform institutions, integrate advanced technology, improve intelligence coordination, and foster collaboration across government and society.”
The Senate President outlined three central pillars of the plan:
1. Strengthening national resilience through early-warning systems and community-based intelligence;
2. Integrating modern technology including drones, data analytics, and cybersecurity tools; and
3. Enhancing regional and international cooperation to tackle transnational terrorism.
Akpabio emphasised the need for sustained investment in technology, training, and security personnel, while also highlighting the crucial role of the private sector in funding security initiatives and supporting victims of terrorism. He assured that the National Assembly would enforce transparency and accountability in such partnerships and monitor implementation rigorously.
“The Strategic Plan is a national promise that Nigeria will not yield to fear or insecurity,” he declared, calling on citizens, traditional rulers, civil society, youth groups, private-sector leaders, and international partners to unite in safeguarding the nation.
Speaking on behalf of the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Coordinator of the NCTC, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, described the document as a coordinated, research-driven roadmap informed by lessons from more than two decades of counter-insurgency operations.
He said the plan addresses the social roots of violent extremism, including unemployment, drug abuse, and lack of opportunities. He cited the “Seeds of Hope” programme—an initiative that rehabilitates victims of terrorism through agricultural and livelihood support—as an example of efforts aimed at strengthening intelligence, operations, legal frameworks, judicial processes, and strategic communication.
Dr. Usman Hussain, representative of the African Union Commission (AUC), commended Nigeria’s leadership in counter-terrorism efforts and the NCTC’s transformation into a regional centre of excellence. He announced upcoming AU technical missions and peer-review engagements to further strengthen Nigeria’s capabilities.
Development partners, diplomats, security chiefs, private-sector executives and civil society groups pledged support for the initiative, describing it was vital to Nigeria’s security, stability, and economic growth.
The event concluded with the formal unveiling of the Strategic Plan 2025–2030, marking what stakeholders described as a new chapter in Nigeria’s coordinated fight against terrorism and violent extremism.
