The National Counter Terrorism Centre will commence the implementation of a radicalisation and rehabilitation initiative in the North-West states.

Mairo Abbas-Musa, the director of the Directorate of Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism in NCTC, disclosed this at the Executive Policy and Peer Learning Roundtable on Thursday in Sokoto.

Mr Abbas-Musa explained that the federal government was implementing various programmes and initiatives to prevent and counter violent extremism.

She said the NCTC was fully committed to building inclusive advocacy coalitions for sustainable natural resource management and pathways out of violence.

She noted that the centre was key in promoting strategic coordination and oversight on implementing various security-related policy documents, programmes, and initiatives.

She explained that the outcomes of these initiatives feed into activities at the camp located in Malam Sidi, Gombe, after due screening and categorisation.

She added that those categorised as high risk were subjected to the criminal justice process.

According to Ms Abbas-Musa, NCTC has coordinated nationwide efforts, ensuring that interventions are evidence-based, strategic, and aligned with national security objectives.

She stressed that the success of these programmes was due to the adoption of recommendations from stakeholder engagements in collaboration with partners such as International Alert.

In his address, Paul Nyulaku-Bemshima, country director of International Alert, said the event focused on exit pathways out of violence and criminality, contributing to policy processes at all levels.

He noted that the central aim was to convene diverse stakeholders to foster dialogue, share best practices, and explore collaborative advocacy efforts for sustainable peace.

He added that one of the key objectives of the gathering was to enhance peer learning among participants to develop workable models for broader application.

Mr Nyulaku-Bemshima highlighted that alternative dispute resolution mechanisms provided an efficient way to settle disputes without going to court.

Ukoha Ukiwo, team lead of SPRiNG, described the training as an important opportunity for key project stakeholders.

Mr Ukiwo reiterated the need for sustained efforts to strengthen institutional processes in Nigeria through effective coordination, stakeholder engagement, and knowledge-driven decision-making.

He urged the government to continue reinforcing partnerships and strengthening capacities with relevant stakeholders to ensure a safe, peaceful, and resilient nation.

(NAN)