Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, the national coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), has called for the protection of witnesses and judges who play pivotal roles in investigating, prosecuting, and adjudicating terrorism-related cases.

Mr Laka made the call at a two-day workshop and plenary of the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum Criminal Justice and Rule of Law Working Group in Abuja.

Nigeria, through the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), and Italy co-chair the meeting, which has the theme ‘Good Practices for the Protection of Witnesses and Criminal Justice Officials’.

Mr Laka said the fight against terrorism and organised crime in Nigeria, like many other nations, had presented multifaceted challenges that demanded unwavering dedication and collective action.

He called on countries under the GCTF umbrella to harness the power of collaboration and cooperation to advance their shared goals of justice, security, and peace.

According to him, it is imperative to ensure the protection of witnesses and criminal justice officials who play pivotal roles in the investigation, prosecution, and adjudication of terrorism-related cases.

“Criminal justice officials, including prosecutors, judges, and law enforcement officers, face significant risks as they fulfil their duties in the pursuit of justice.

“It behoved on all to prioritise the development and implementation of effective strategies to safeguard witnesses and Justice Officials, thereby ensuring their safety, well-being, and continued participation in the criminal justice process,” he said.

NCTC boss said Nigeria had co-chaired the GCTF CJ-ROL WG since 2017, adding that Nigeria co-chaired with Switzerland from 2017 to 2022 and Italy from 2022 to 2024.

He said the latest joint mandate between Nigeria and Italy had been extended from 2024 to 2026.

According to him, the working group seeks to identify relevant civilian counter-terrorism challenges and capacity gaps.

“It also considers activities to address the gaps, as well as to mobilise political will, financial resources and expertise,” he said. 

(NAN)