The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) has announced that Nigeria has successfully conducted eight phases of trials related to terrorism, resulting in 775 convictions. This achievement underscores Nigeria’s commitment to justice through lawful means while also creating pathways for the rehabilitation and reintegration of former fighters.
Adamu Laka, the National Coordinator of the NCTC, made this announcement on Wednesday in Abuja during the launch of the Regional Conference on Combating Emerging Terrorist Groups and Strengthening Sustainable Security in the ECOWAS Region and the Sahel.
Organized in partnership with the ECOWAS Commission, the conference gathered security leaders, policymakers, regional institutions, and development partners to evaluate strategies for combatting terrorism and violent extremism.
Major-General Laka emphasized that these trials reflect Nigeria’s determination to ensure that acts of terrorism are met with appropriate consequences. He noted that the approach also acknowledges the importance of non-violent strategies, such as dialogue, reconciliation, empowerment, and enhancing community resilience.
“To date, we have undertaken eight phases of terrorism trials resulting in 775 convictions,” he stated. “This clearly conveys that terrorism will not be tolerated and highlights our commitment to integrating non-kinetic measures.”
He elaborated on Nigeria’s counterterrorism strategy, which is founded on a comprehensive approach involving both government and society. This strategy unites state institutions, civil society, religious and traditional leaders, the private sector, and youth in a collective effort.
While acknowledging the significance of military operations, Mr. Laka argued that achieving sustainable security involves winning public support, rebuilding trust in governance, and addressing the underlying causes of terrorism, such as poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion.
He also recalled Nigeria’s hosting of the African Counter Terrorism Summit in April 2024, which culminated in the Abuja Declaration that recognized the NCTC as a Regional Centre of Excellence for Counter Terrorism in West Africa and the Sahel.
The current regional conference aims to reinforce this mandate by enhancing collaboration and generating actionable recommendations.
According to Mr. Laka, the two-day conference is expected to provide a situational analysis of emerging terrorist threats, reaffirm commitments to operationalize the ECOWAS Counterterrorism Force, and develop practical strategies for intelligence sharing and securing porous borders.
He emphasized that integrating youth, civil society, and media into the regional security framework will be a pivotal outcome of the conference.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference is attended by representatives from ECOWAS, the United Nations, and various international partners.
