News – The National Counter Terrorism Centre

BUHARI INAUGURATES NATIONAL COUNTERTERRORISM CENTRE, NEW ONSA BUILDING

March 22, 2023

by Raphael B. Towoju Documents News Resources

President Muhammadu Buhari (3rd Right) unveiling the New ONSA Building, while the NSA,Retired Maj. Gen. Babagana Monguno (Far Left) and others assist.

In furtherance to the resolve of his administration to address evolving security challenges in the country, especially terrorism and violent extremism, President Muhammadu Buhari inaugurated the new Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and National Counterterrorism Centre (NCTC), on Tuesday 21 March, 2023, in Abuja.

President Muhammadu Buhari (Middle) and other dignitaries at the unveiling of the NCTC building.

The construction of the two state-of the art facilities was in addition to the giant stride achieved in strengthening the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022 (TPPA 2022), which provided for the establishment of the National Counter Terrorism Centre as the coordinating body for countering terrorism and terrorism financing in Nigeria.

A cross section of Dignitaries at the occasion

Speaking at the event, the President said it would serve as a major legacy to provide the incoming administration with infrastructure to effectively coordinate national security and counterterrorism efforts.

The President used the occasion to outline significant milestones achieved by his administration on National Security, including gains in combating terrorism, armed banditry, kidnapping, separatist tendencies, crude oil theft, piracy, militancy in parts of the country, as well as cyber-security.

The New State-of-the-Art ONSA building.

President Buhari, who congratulated the National Security Adviser, Major General Babagana Monguno (retired) and his team for this noble achievement, also lauded key security policy documents which were either produced or revised by this administration and supervised by ONSA including the National Counterterrorism Strategy 2016, National Security Strategy 2019, National Cyber Security Policy and Strategy 2021 and the National Crisis Management Doctrine 2022.

The World-Class NCTC Building

Earlier, The National Security Adviser (NSA), retired Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno noted that the changing nature of the security landscape over the last three decades in the country and across the world has necessitated the broadening of ONSA’s mandate to accommodate the needs of emerging security threats.

The NSA said, while ONSA’s core mandate was to assess the security concerns of the country and advise the President on all matters bordering on national security, the dynamic nature of global and domestic security environments has necessitated the modification and expansion of some of the functions of ONSA.

“The new office for the National Counterterrorism Centre is designed to accommodate the additional workforce and improved technological capabilities of the Centre, particularly the Explosive Devices Analysis Office – EDAO, increasing activities of the Countering Violent Extremism – CVE Department and the Joint Terrorism Analysis Branch,” Monguno said.

President Buhari being conducted round the new ONSA Building by the NSA

Monguno added that the facilities would further enhance Nigeria’s already recognised contribution to global counterterrorism policy and practice efforts and give impetus to Nigeria’s internal, bilateral, and multilateral cooperation and collaboration in tackling the menace of terrorism and violent extremism.

He thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for his administration’s investment strategy in legacy infrastructure projects, saying the conceptualisation, design and development of the new ONSA and NCTC buildings were based on Mr. President’s vision of ensuring a robust national security enterprise for the country. The NSA also acknowledged the support of the National Assembly.

President Buhari and other dignitaries at the inauguration

Similarly, in his goodwill message, the UN Resident Coordinator for Nigeria, Matthias Schmale, commended President Buhari and his government for championing the NCTC, saying ”this is no doubt part of your legacy that will enable Nigeria continue to address domestic and regional security challenges.”

Schmale, who was represented by Kimaris Toogood, Peace and Advisor, Office of the Resident Coordinator (UN Nigeria), also commended the progress made by the Nigerian military to degrade the operational capacity of Islamic State West Africa Province and Boko Haram and to improve intelligence gathering on suspected terrorists.

In attendance at the commissioning ceremony were service chiefs, heads of the security and intelligence community, ministers, legislators, and representatives of bilateral and multilateral partners from the UN, AU, ECOWAS and other foreign missions.

National Coordinator, NCTC lectures Participants of NDC Course 31/2023 in Abuja

March 9, 2023

by Raphael B. Towoju Documents News

NC NCTC, Rear Admiral YEM Musa (rtd) while presenting a lecture at NDC, in Abuja

The National Coordinator, National Counter Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser, Rear Admiral YEM Musa (rtd), on Wednesday 8 March, 2023 lectured the participants of National Defence College (NDC) Course 31/2023 in Abuja.

The National Coordinator, NCTC, Rear Admiral YEM Musa (rtd), addressing a cross section of Participants of NDC Course 31/2023

The National Coordinator, NCTC, Rear Admiral YEM Musa (rtd), addressing a cross section of Participants of NDC Abuja, Course 31/2023.

Delivering the lecture titled “Strengthening National Resilience for Contemporary Security Challenges in Nigeria: The National Counter Terrorism Strategy 2016 in Focus ,” the National Coordinator noted that the lecture was not only contemporary but timely and very important to all Nigerians in view of the dynamics of the nation’s security challenges which required the need to build a stronger and more resilient security architecture at the various levels.

National Coordinator, NCTC (right) in a chat with the Commandant, NDC Rear Admiral MM Bashir (left) at the lecture.

National Coordinator, NCTC (right) in a chat with the Commandant, NDC Abuja, Rear Admiral MM Bashir (left) at the lecture.

He expressed hope that the varied background and mix of participants would engender positive discussion, mutual interaction and learning that would ensure greater understanding in the collective efforts at ensuring national, regional, as well as global peace and security.

NC NCTC, Rear Admiral YEM Musa (rtd) PhD (right), receiving a souvenir from the Deputy Commandant/Director of Studies, NDC, Abuja, Maj. Gen. Lawrence Fajokwu

NCTC ONSA HOLDS STRATEGIC MEETING WITH IA ON IMPLEMENTATION OF DDR WORKSHOP

March 7, 2023

by Raphael B. Towoju Documents News

The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) led by the National Coordinator, Rear Admiral YEM Musa (rtd) held a strategic engagement with International Alert, Nigeria, led by its Country Director, Mr. Paul Nyulaku on Tuesday, 7 March, 2023. The meeting was a follow-up to the Technical Workshop on Amnesty Management, Deradicalisation and Community-Based Reintegration held in Abuja from 31 January to 3 February, 2023.

Nat’l Coordinator, NCTC, Rear Admiral YEM Musa (rtd) {Centre} speaking at the meeting as Head PCVE, Mrs. Mairo Musa Abbas (left), Country Director Int’l Alert, Nigeria, Mr.Paul Nyulaku (right) listened.

During the meeting, important decisions to fast track the outcome of the Workshop was taken. Among these decisions include but not limited to the need for more capacity/knowledge to effectively coordinate the Disarmament, Deradicalisation and Reintegration (DDR) process and to have a firm grasp of the technical aspect of DDR.

The goal of DDR efforts is to reduce the fighting capacity of terrorists in the country and its neighbouring nations.

Nat’l Coordinator, NCTC, Rear Admiral YEM Musa (rtd) {Centre} speaking at the meeting as Head PCVE, Mrs. Mairo Musa Abbas (left), Country Director Int’l Alert, Mr. Paul Nyulaku (right) and others listened.

COURTESY VISIT OF THE NETHERLANDS AMBASSADOR TO NIGERIA (H.E MR. WOUTER PLOMP) AND HIS TEAM TO NATIONAL COUNTER TERRORISM CENTRE (NCTC), OFFICE OF THE NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER ON WEDNESDAY 22 FEBRUARY, 2023

March 2, 2023

by Raphael B. Towoju Documents News

The Netherlands Ambassador to Nigeria H.E, Mr. Wouter Plomp accompanied by the Defence Attache, Idzerd Van Eysinga and the First Secretary, Embassy of the Netherlands in Nigeria, Ayinde Soule-Kohndou, paid a courtesy visit to the Coordinator, National Counter Terrorism Centre (NC, NCTC), Office of the National Security Adviser, Rear Admiral YEM Musa (rtd) on Wednesday 22 February, 2023.

NC, NCTC, Rear Admiral YEM Musa (rtd) flanked by the Netherlands Amb. Wouter Plomp (left) and the Defence Attache, Idzerd Van Eysinga (right).

The Coordinator, National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Rear Admiral YEM Musa (rtd) flanked by the Netherlands Amb. Wouter Plomp (left) and the Defence Attache, Idzerd Van Eysinga (right).

The Coordinator, on behalf of the National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd), expressed pleasure for the visit, which he termed a familiar one. He noted that the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) was aware of the interest of the Government of The Netherlands in the Counter Terrorism efforts of Nigeria.

NC, NCTC with the Defence Attache

On his part, the Ambassador stated that he was in the company of the Defence Attache due to his country’s interest in the security situation in Nigeria and the West African sub-region. He commended Nigeria for its counter terrorism efforts and went further to state that the Government of The N

The Netherlands Ambassador (left) with the Head, PCVE, NCTC, ONSA Mrs. Mairo Musa Abbas

etherlands was always willing to collaborate with the country. He appreciated the reception of his team and promised the continued support of his country and the European Union in addressing the security challenges in Nigeria.

A 4-DAY NATIONAL TECHNICAL WORKSHOP ON AMNESTY MANAGEMENT, DERADICALISATION AND COMMUNITY-BASED REINTEGRATION

March 2, 2023

by Raphael B. Towoju Documents News Resources

A 4-DAY NATIONAL TECHNICAL WORKSHOP ON AMNESTY MANAGEMENT, DERADICALISATION AND COMMUNITY-BASED REINTEGRATION ORGANISED BY THE NATIONAL COUNTER TERRORISM CENTRE, OFFICE OF THE NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER IN COLLABORATION WITH INTERNATIONAL ALERT NIGERIAHELD IN ABUJA FROM 31 JANUARY TO 3 FEBRUARY, 2023.

In realisation that no one size fits all in combatting the security situation of violent extremism and terrorism currently besieging the country and the globe as a whole, the Nigerian government has been making concerted efforts to ensure a peaceful society and strengthen community resilience against this menace. Among such measures being put in place was the convening of a 4-day National Workshop on Amnesty Management, Deradicalisation And Community-Based Reintegration, in collaboration with International Alert (IA) Nigeria from 31 January to 3 February, 2023.

A cross section of some of the participants at the workshop.

The aim was to promote collaborative learning and establish a shared purpose for advancing DDR policy and practice in Nigeria, as well as to enable partners, participants and delegates have a thorough strategic and operational level understanding of the concepts, approaches and new practices involved in the effective planning, implementation and coordination of DDR.

Participants were drawn from various stakeholder groups including Federal and States Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs), Academia, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Tradition and Religious Institutions among others.

In his opening remarks, the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, represented by Deputy Comptroller of Corrections, Mr. Sylvester Nwakauche, stated that the workshop was part of government’s commitment to finding sustainable solutions to the challenges posed by conflicts and violent extremism in the country. The Minister stressed that addressing the challenges required a multi-disciplinary and collaborative approach, as well as the expertise of government, civil society, academia and the international community. Thereafter, the National Coordinator, National Counter-Terrorism Centre, Rear Admiral YEM Musa (rtd), on behalf of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd), in his remarks highlighted the opportunities available in the workshop for Participants to gain strategic and operational level understanding of the concepts, approaches and new practices in effective planning, implementation and coordination of DDR.

NC NCTC, Rear Admiral YEM Musa (rtd), saying thank you to the Director of Programme (Int'l) International Alert, Kathryn Tomlinson at the event.

NC NCTC, Rear Admiral YEM Musa (rtd), {left} saying thank you to the Director of Programme (Int’l) International Alert, Kathryn Tomlinson (Right) at the event.

Former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Martin Luther Agwai (rtd) during his keynote address titled, “Building prospect (s) for stability, Justice and Reconciliation in North-West and North-East, Nigeria,” posited that building confidence in the minds of citizens and the need for dialogue and subsequent disarmament was key to achieving DDR in the country.

Meanwhile, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, H.E Catriona Laing also, expressed the commitment of the UK government to supporting initiatives that would address security challenges in Nigeria and noted that while amnesty and voluntary DDR processes were essential components of successful conflict resolution, such measures must not be taken in an ad-hoc, uncoordinated manner as this could undermine the prosecutorial and judicial processes of a country. This was followed by remarks by the Swiss Ambassador to Nigeria, Nicolas Lang, who commended the FGN for adopting kinetic and non- kinetic approaches in dealing with the conflict.

Subsequently, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Ms. Samuela Isopi, noted that the European Union (EU) had been a long standing partner of Nigeria on both DDR and Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE). Isopi who was represented by EU Nigeria Team Lead, Ruben Alba informed also, that the EU had been supporting a number of activities related to amnesty management, deradicalisation and community-based reintegration in the North East. Lastly, The IA Director of programmes UK, Ms. Kathryn Tomlinson stated that IA programmes in Nigeria would continue to contribute to greater social cohesion and increase the capacity of communities to prevent and manage conflict. Also, while setting the Scene for the workshop, the Country Director, IA Nigeria Mr. Paul Nyulaku noted that the gathering provided an opportunity for stakeholders to come together to review, benefit from peer learning and experience sharing among Federal and State institutions.

High level meeting between ONSA and Sokoto State Government on 9th November, 2022

ONSA holds high level engagement with Sokoto State government

November 14, 2022

by Raphael B. Towoju Documents News

In recent times, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) embarked on series of activities to strengthen coordination and implementation of all counter terrorism interventions by Federal and State Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), as well as International Governmental Organisations operating in Nigeria.
To continue with these bold moves and further strengthen community resilience by supporting local initiatives in addressing drivers of violent extremism, a strategic team comprising ONSA and relevant partners led by the Head Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism in the Office of the National Security Adviser, engaged the Sokoto State Government on 9th November, 2022.
The high level meeting provided opportunity for ONSA to introduce GCERF and its Grantee, North East Youth Initiative for Development (NEYIF) to the State Government and also discussed the project to be launched between the State Government and NEYIF which would in turn ensure effective monitoring and evaluation by state authorities.
It could be recalled that the Global Community Engagement Resilience Fund (GCERF) and its Grantee working in collaboration with ONSA in Kaduna and Katsina States were introduced to the two State Governments on 2nd and 8th March, 2022 respectively and Kano on 12th October, 2022.

ONSA and FIUs team in a group photograph after the meeting on Thursday

ONSA hosts Forum of FIUs of GIABA member States

November 11, 2022

by Raphael B. Towoju Documents News

To further boost the efforts of the Government of Nigeria to rid the country of all forms of crime and criminality including money laundering, the National Coordinator, National Counter Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser, Rear Admiral YEM Musa (rtd) on behalf of the National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd), hosted the Forum of Financial Intelligence Units in GIABA member states led by its President, Mr. Stanley Ford, in Abuja, on Thursday, 10th November, 2022.
The meeting provided an ample opportunity to share ideas on ways to curb crimes that can impede the growth of the country, of which money laundering is a key factor.

The National Coordinator, NCTC, Rear Admiral YEM Musa (rtd) (left), in a warm handshake with the President, Forum of FIUs in GIABA member States, Stanley Ford (right) as the Executive Secretary of the Forum, Hafsat Bakari (middle) watches.

While addressing the forum, the National Coordinator expressed the appreciation of the National Security Adviser, saying that Nigeria would leave no stone unturned in ensuring a peaceful society for her citizens and all residents of the country.
GIABA is a specialised institution of ECOWAS that is responsible for strengthening the capacity of member states towards the prevention and control of money laundering and terrorist financing in the region.
It could be recalled that Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) was established by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government in the year 2000.
The creation of GIABA was a major response and contribution of the ECOWAS to the fight against money laundering.

A cross section of participants at the workshop

ONSA, GLOBAL COALITION HOLD COUNTER TERRORISM COMMUNICATIONS WORKSHOP IN ABUJA

October 11, 2022

by Raphael B. Towoju Documents News

To further boost the capacity of various stakeholders in Nigeria to respond to the threats posed by terrorists and other violent extremists groups, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in collaboration with the Global Coalition against Daesh/ISIS held a Strategic Communications Workshop in Abuja on 28th September, 2022.

In his opening remarks, the National Coordinator, National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in the Office of the National Security Adviser, Rear Admiral YEM Musa (rtd) assured that the Government of Nigeria would always be ready to support all efforts at tackling terrorism, Terrorism Financing, the flow of foreign terrorist fighters across borders, as well as all threats to the economic and political stability of the country.

Representative of the National Coordinator, NCTC and Head PCVE in ONSA, Mrs. Mairo Musa Abbas, speaking at the event

The National Coordinator who was represented by the Head Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism Directorate at NCTC, Mrs. Mairo Musa Abbas, also expressed delight that the Coalition was committed to exposing the falsehoods that lie at the heart of terrorists’ ideology, and to present a positive, alternative future for the region. He noted that it was in line with the nation’s response to counter and provide an alternative narrative to the violent extremists’ propaganda over the years.

***Some of the participants at the Workshop***

In his remarks, the U.S. Deputy Envoy to the Global Coalition Douglas Hoyt spoke with appreciation for the government of Nigeria’s efforts to support the Coalition’s Africa Focus Group as an effective platform for assistance coordination and engagement. He said also that this communications workshop was a critical step in countering the ISIS ideology and narrative.

Participants were drawn from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in Nigeria including the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and representatives of the Coalition partners from the United States and United Kingdom to describe best practice in counter terrorism strategic communications.

ONSA HOSTS PREVENT TEAM IN ABUJA

September 16, 2022

by Raphael B. Towoju News

The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) played host to the Prevent Advisory Board (PAB) drawn from relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies(MDAs) as well as the Torchlight Group from the United Kingdom on 14th September, 2022. The gathering was part of the efforts of Government to collaborate with relevant stakeholders at both local and international levels to prevent young persons from being recruited into serious and organised crime.
PREVENT is the concept of providing alternative opportunities to those most likely to join criminal organisations, helping to PREVENT them from contributing to future crime that damages Nigeria’s economy. The UK has proven PREVENT to be an important part of the policing response to organised crime and has demonstrated how community engagement through important community partners can help reduce the scale and severity of criminal activity.
This programme, with support from the Nigerian Government, the UK Home Office and British High Commission in Nigeria, will support Federal agencies and the Nigerian Police Force adapt PREVENT methodologies to suit Nigeria and then introduce their practice to help fight serious and organised crime. The goal is to reduce the harmful impact serious and organised crime has on Nigeria’s economy, institutions, and people.
The programme is a pilot being delivered in 4 states, selected based on the findings of a research phase, designed to test the suitability of PREVENT for the Nigerian context and to tackle important organised crime challenges identified during the research phase. The project will last 3 years.