The federal government has inaugurated a National Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) Task Team to coordinate efforts to address violent extremism, terrorism and other forms of armed violence.

The national coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Adamu Laka, inaugurated the team on Friday in Abuja on behalf of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.

Mr Laka described the inauguration as an important milestone in advancing Nigeria’s DDR agenda, saying members were selected based on their experience, expertise and contributions to peace and security.

He said existing initiatives, including Operation SAFE CORRIDOR, the Borno Model, the Presidential Amnesty Programme and state-led rehabilitation and reintegration efforts, had provided valuable lessons and highlighted the need for common national standards and stronger coordination.

According to him, the national DDR policy framework and strategy were developed through consultations across the six geopolitical zones involving government agencies, security and justice institutions, community leaders, civil society, women, young people, affected communities and development partners.

He acknowledged the support of the United Kingdom’s Strengthening Peace and Resilience Group (UK: SPRiNG), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other partners.

Mr Laka said the task team would strengthen cooperation among the NCTC, the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, Operation SAFE CORRIDOR, the Federal Ministry of Justice, the Office for Strategic Preparedness and Resilience and relevant state committees.

He added that it would engage government institutions, diplomatic missions, UN agencies, development partners and the private sector to clarify responsibilities, address overlapping mandates, assess institutional readiness and support sustainable livelihoods.

“The team is expected to build institutional consensus, secure effective partnerships, resolve coordination barriers and lay the foundation for a Whole-of-Government Working Group and an implementable national roadmap,” he said.

Mr Laka said the NCTC, with support from UK: SPRiNG, planned to convene a high-level national retreat to clarify responsibilities and address capacity, legal and operational requirements, implementation timelines, financing and partnerships.

“Its work must complement existing mandates rather than create another layer of bureaucracy,” he said.

He added that the centre was exploring the establishment of an international partners’ group and a national fund for DDR, peace and security to coordinate partnerships, mobilise resources transparently and ensure sustainable financing.

“All interventions will be victim-centred, lawful and accountable,” he said.

Responding on behalf of the task team, Abimbola Wonosikou, its lead and NCTC Director of Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism, thanked the national coordinator for the confidence reposed in the members.

She said the assignment came at a critical time as Nigeria pursued comprehensive and sustainable responses to violent extremism and related security challenges.

Ms Wonosikou said the team would work collaboratively to advance the national DDR initiative, strengthen institutional coordination, harmonise existing programmes and clarify stakeholders’ responsibilities.

She also sought approval to co-opt additional relevant ministries, departments and agencies when necessary to address technical requirements and gaps in institutional representation.

Ms Wonosikou pledged to promote teamwork, inclusivity and results-oriented engagement, adding that the team would ensure its recommendations supported efforts to prevent violent extremism and promote sustainable peace and security.

(NAN)