Abuja: The National Counter-Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser (NCTC-ONSA), has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to tackling violent extremism through inclusive dialogue, strategic partnerships, and support for victims. The National Coordinator, NCTC, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, made this announcement at a policy dialogue and training on victims’ assistance and the prevention of violent extremism held in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the event was conducted in collaboration with Colombia’s Unit for the Attention and Integral Reparation of Victims, under the South-South Cooperation framework. Laka stated that the dialogue was part of a technical mission aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to implement its National Action Plan for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE). He emphasized that while kinetic operations are important, sustainable peace requires community-based approaches focusing on prevention, healing, and resilience.
Laka outlined Nigeria’s strategy, which is anchored on a Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society approach, mobilizing sectors such as security, justice, education, health, and traditional institutions to work collectively. He highlighted Colombia’s experience in peace building as a valuable resource, particularly in post-conflict reintegration and victim rehabilitation. Progress has been made in Nigeria with the establishment of community peace committees and early warning systems to prevent human rights violations and build inclusive responses.
The NCTC boss encouraged stakeholders to share practical solutions and best practices to enrich national policies and programs, emphasizing that victims’ dignity must remain central to the national response. ‘We appreciate Colombia’s solidarity and leadership, and we look forward to a deeper and sustained partnership,’ Laka said.
In his remarks, Mr. Sebasti¡n Garca, Head of the Colombian delegation and Deputy Director of Colombia’s Agency for the Renewal of the Territory, commended Nigeria’s efforts in strengthening local peace mechanisms and community-based prevention systems. Garca noted that Colombia and Nigeria had deepened cooperation on peace building and victim support while seeking shared solutions to violent extremism through South-South collaboration. ‘We are here not just to share, but to learn. Our countries may be oceans apart, but our struggles and our hopes are the same,’ he remarked.
The Etsu of Kwali, Mr. Luka Nizassan III, called for a stronger, budget-backed approach to preventing violent extremism in Nigeria, emphasizing the need for national and state budgets to reflect human security priorities. He argued that prioritizing prevention would save resources and enable development to thrive. According to him, every budget line should be tied to reducing terrorism’s root causes, pledging commitment to grassroots peace building and multi-sectoral coordination.
The event underscored Nigeria’s ongoing shift from kinetic responses to holistic, preventive strategies in tackling violent extremism. It brought together government officials, civil society groups, and international partners to share experiences on victim rehabilitation and inclusive peace strategies.
