Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Monday unveiled the National Counter-Terrorism Centre’s (NCTC) Strategic Plan 2025–2030, describing it as a defining moment in Nigeria’s quest to strengthen national security.

Mr Akpabio said the strategic plan was timely with the government’s resolve to defeat terrorism and build a resilient, peaceful nation.

The unveiling event in Abuja drew top government officials, security chiefs, diplomats, private-sector leaders, and development partners.

The Senate president said the five-year plan reflected Nigeria’s resolve to modernise its security architecture and protect citizens from evolving threats.

He said insecurity has slowed national development, disrupted education, forced investors out, and weakened communities.

Mr Akpabio added, “This strategy provides a disciplined framework to transform institutions, integrate advanced technology, improve intelligence coordination, and foster stronger collaboration across government and society.”

He urged sustained investments in technology, training, and personnel.

The Senate president outlined three critical pillars: strengthening national resilience through early warning systems and community intelligence, integrating modern technology such as drones and cybersecurity platforms, and enhancing regional and international cooperation to confront transnational threats.

Mr Akpabio also stressed the importance of private-sector partnerships in financing security efforts and supporting victims of terrorism.

He assured that the National Assembly would enforce transparency and accountability in such collaborations and closely monitor implementation.

Mr Akpabio explained that “the Strategic Plan is a national promise that Nigeria will not yield to fear or insecurity.

“Citizens, traditional rulers, civil society, youth groups, the private sector, and international allies must unite to safeguard the nation.”

National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, represented by the national coordinator of the NCTC, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, said the plan provides a coordinated, research-driven roadmap based on lessons from over two decades of fighting insurgency.

He highlighted the social drivers of violent extremism, including unemployment, drug abuse, and lack of opportunities.

Mr Ribadu said that initiatives like the “Seeds of Hope” programme to rehabilitate victims of terrorism through agriculture and livelihoods aim to strengthen intelligence, operations, legal frameworks, judicial processes, strategic communication, and national resilience, positioning Nigeria as a regional leader in counter-terrorism.

The representative of the African Union Commission (AUC), Usman Hussain, commended Nigeria’s leadership in counter-terrorism and the transformation of the NCTC into a regional centre of excellence.

Mr Hussain announced upcoming AU technical missions and peer-review engagements to strengthen Nigeria’s counter-terrorism capacity.

Development partners, diplomats, security chiefs, private-sector leaders, and NGOs pledged support, describing the initiative as crucial for national stability and economic growth.

The event concluded with the formal unveiling of the Strategic Plan 2025–2030, marking a new chapter in Nigeria’s coordinated efforts against terrorism and violent extremism. 

(NAN)