Abuja: The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), are partnering to countering terrorism, preventing and countering violent extremism in Nigeria. The National Coordinator, NCTC, retired Rear Adm. Yamimu Musa, announced this collaboration during a meeting with CAN’s leadership, led by its president, Arch-Bishop Daniel Okoh, in his office in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, a statement by Mr. Ozoya Imohimi, Director of Strategic Communication at NCTC, ONSA, indicated that the partnership continues the implementation of a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to counter terrorism efforts. This approach aligns with the centre’s mandate as outlined in the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act (2022) and the National Security Strategy (2019).
Musa emphasized the necessity of the collaboration between NCTC and CAN to formulate and implement national counter terrorism efforts and overall security policies. CAN has been a longstanding ally of the centre as a member of the National Strive Juvenile Steering Committee, chaired by NCTC. He reassured the Christian body of ongoing collaboration with government agencies, other religious bodies, and Civil Society Organisations in advocacy and sensitisation efforts to eliminate terrorism and violent crimes in the country.
Arch-Bishop Okoh commended the Federal Government’s efforts over the years, through NCTC, in preventing and countering terrorism and violent extremism. He encouraged Nigerians to view the current security challenges as an opportunity for national resilience rather than despair. Okoh also suggested that his team’s visit had enhanced their understanding of government efforts in addressing the country’s security issues and advocated for regular workshops to build the capacity of Church leaders regarding national security.
