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President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday launched the Nigeria’s Policy Framework and National Action Plan for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism at the Council Chambers, of the State House in Abuja, reaffirming Government’s commitment in addressing all the root causes of violent extremism in the country.

While speaking during the launch of the new policy document, the President stated that, as a free, peaceful and enterprising nation, majority of Nigerians were against the twisted ideology of terrorists. “This Policy Framework and National Action Plan is a complementary approach developed through consultation with Nigerians in and out of Government. We are committed, also, to implement the Framework through a Whole-of -society approach involving all Nigerians” the President said.

He further noted that through the immense sacrifices of the Nigeria Armed Forces and Security Agencies, Boko Haram has been massively decimated and pushed out of communities where they had found sanctuary. “We must now, working together, focus on rooting out hate, misinterpretation of religion and violence in our society”.  He added.

The President, however, called on stakeholders at the State and Local Governments to emulate the Federal Government by developing Action Plans for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism at the grassroots. The President equally urged Civil Society Organizations and International Institutions to be guided by the principles enshrined in the Policy Framework and National Action Plan. 

On his part, the National Security Adviser, Major General Babagana Monguno (Rtd.), disclosed that Nigeria is one of the few countries in the world that have developed the Policy Framework, which was showcased on the Sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly held in September 2017, in New York.

He explained further that the country’s effort was overwhelmingly appreciated during the Global Solutions Exchange Side Event, where several donors indicated their willingness to partner with Nigeria in implementing the National Action Plan.

According to the National Security Adviser, the Policy Framework and National Action Plan rested on four major objectives which dictates its priority components. These areas include: Strengthening institutions and coordination in Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism, Strengthening the Rule of Law, Access to Justice and Human Rights, Engaging Communities and Building Resilience, and Integrating Strategic Communication in Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism Programmes.

The Policy and National Action Plan were collaborative efforts which involved wide consultations within and outside the country.

The Nigerian Government through the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) on Tuesday 13 February 2018, presented the Policy Framework and National Action Plan for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism to members of the public. The public presentation which took place in Abuja was attended by top government officials including the National Security Adviser (NSA) and Minister of Information and Culture.  

On 24 August 2017, President Muhammadu Buhari signed the Presidential Directive to the Policy Framework and National Action for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism which was then launched on the 28 November, 2017.

Speaking at the public presentation, Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lia Mohhammed emphasized Government’s commitment to work closely with all the core constituencies, as defined in the Policy Framework. He added that Ministry of Information and Culture was committed to develop narratives and communication strategies that will completely dismantle and neutralize Boko Haram ideology and messages.

The Minister disclosed that at least 30,000 hostages kidnapped by the Boko Haram extremist group, including women and Children, have been rescued by the military. He added that, more than 100 Chibok girls have so far been rescued. He also restated government’s commitment to the safe return of the remaining Chibok girls, who will be rehabilitated and reunited with their families and communities.

 The minister further averred that “part of its soft approach in tackling security challenges, our administration is engaging in dialogue with different key stakeholders in order to find possible and lasting solutions to the issue of herder-farmer conflicts, which is one of the security challenges we face today”.

While stressing the critical role of the media in the fight against violent extremism, he applauded the Nigerian Media for the role they have played, and continue to play, in the fight against the extremists group, and urged them to sustain this momentum.

In his key note address, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Major General Mohammed Babagana Monguno (Retired) said government would continue to take steps that would strengthen the Law Enforcement and Security Agencies in Nigeria to deal with the threats to national security.  

He stated that Government would not work in isolation, adding that “we require research, community engagement, involvement of the Civil Society and all stakeholders to play key roles in building a peaceful and secure country. Across the Lake Chad, we are also working with our neighbors to address common challenges”.

The National Security Adviser informed that in line with President Buhari’s focus on transparency, accountability and the rule of law, Nigeria decided to build a Policy framework that will ensure institutionalization and mainstreaming of preventing and countering violent extremism across Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government. He disclosed that Nigeria was one of the few countries in the world that have developed the Policy Framework.

“In developing the Policy Framework, Government did not work in isolation. With a Memorandum of Understanding between the NSA Office and the Nigeria Stability and Reconciliation Programme, key stakeholders through a National Working Group were engaged. The National Working Group consisted of Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Civil Society Organisations, Media, Labour, Students and the academic community”. The NSA stated.

Speaking earlier at the event, the Coordinator, Counter Terrorism Centre (CCTC) Commodore YEM Musa noted that the Policy Framework, had gone through series of consultations. He added that the National Working Group which include Government MDAs, Faith Based Organizations, Community Based Organizations, women and youth contributed in shaping the ideas of the plans. “Through the policy formulation process, we learnt from each other and sharpened our understanding of the root causes of violent extremism as it applies to Nigeria. We reviewed research materials and ensured that the policy is evidence –based”, CCTC added.

The Policy Framework which will be implemented over the next three years, through the combined efforts of Governments and the Civil Society in a complementary Whole-of-Society approach, rests on four major objectives which are; Strengthening Institutions and Coordination in Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism; Strengthening the Rule of Law, Access to Justice and Human Rights; Engaging Communities and Building Resilience; and Integrating Strategic Communication in Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism Programme.

The Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), and the Embassy of Switzerland in Nigeria, convened a three-day Workshop aimed at building the capacity of relevant Nigerian government officials on how to deal with non-state armed groups (NSAG-s), at the Chelsea Hotel, Abuja from 24th-26th October 2017. The Workshop participants were drawn from Nigeria’s security agencies, relevant Ministries and Parastatals, such as the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Air Force and the Nigerian Navy, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Ministries of Defence, Justice and Interior, as well as the Nigerian Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT). Attended by specialists with expertise on countries such as Afghanistan, Indonesia, Somalia, the Lake Chad area, as well as Nigeria’s Niger Delta area, the three-day workshop afforded participants the opportunity to:

• reflect on the emergence and evolution of NSAG-s in Nigeria (root causes, enabling conditions, pathways to violence), and the range of non-military tools deployed by the state in response;
• review applicable international humanitarian law, as it relates to NSAG-s in Nigeria; review case studies of other countries (Indonesia, Afghanistan and Somalia) that have engaged armed insurgent groups and extract lessons from those experiences;
• explore best practices related to mediation and negotiation with armed insurgent groups and the reintegration of non-state armed groups as an incentive for dialogue facilitation;
• reflect on some of the critical considerations that inform engagement with NSAG-S, particularly in terms of timing, propitious conditions for launching such efforts, means to test and sustain windows of opportunity, as well as possible ways to calibrate and coordinate the different facets of government response (military, intelligence, dialogue, etc.), and;
• reflect on the regional dimensions of insurgencies in Nigeria, especially as they relate to the search for comprehensive solutions.

In their opening statements at the workshop, the conveners, H.E Eric Mayoraz, the Ambassador of Switzerland to Nigeria, Commodore Y.E.M Musa, Coordinator Counterterrorism Centre in the Office of the National Security Adviser, Nigeria, as well as Ms. Meredith Preston-McGhie, Africa Regional Director of the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD), all expressed the timeliness of the workshop and stressed the need to consider the use of dialogue as a useful tool for engaging NSAG-s.

In the course of the workshop, participants benefitted from the experiences shared on the various case studies by the lead discussants/resource persons, with the expectation that the shared experiences would impact upon the participants’ perception of – as senior representatives of various government MDAs – and approaches to dealing with NSAG-s. The exchange of ideas between the resource persons and the participants stimulated thoughts and helped them to generate new policy ideas for government’s efforts in dealing with NSAG-s in Nigeria.

At the end of the three-day workshop, a number of far-reaching conclusions necessary to ensure better engagement of NSAG-s by relevant security agencies were arrived at. Some of them include the following:

• the critical importance of policymakers’ possession of political will in order to effectively address the various threats to peace and stability in Nigeria;
• the need to create an enabling environment for political dialogue between state actors and NSAG-s;
• the importance of commitment and consensus-building by state actors in dealing with NSAG-s;
• the need to enhance the capacity of security actors in understanding and utilizing various dialogue tools;
• in seeking to utilize dialogue as a tool of engagement, the need to attempt to determine the end goals and objectives from the onset;
• the need to bridge the divide between the academic community and practice, when it comes to peace and security matters, as well as;
• the need to have a clear definition of what type of actors to engage in dialogue.

In his closing remarks at the end of the three-day workshop, Commodore YEM Musa, on behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, expressed sincere gratitude to the Government of Switzerland, the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD), and staff of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), as well as the experts and participants, from Nigeria MDAs and Strategic institutions for the thought-provoking and engaging workshop.

Former Nigeria President Olusegun Obasanjo has described violent extremism as one of the impediments that could prevent democracy from working. The former President stated this while speaking at the two-day workshop organised by Club De Madrid (CdM) in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and supported by European Union (UE), with the theme “Preventing Violent Extremism in Nigeria: Effective Narratives and Messaging.”

Chief Obasanjo said if grievances are not immediately resolved, it could ensue to violence. He, however, called on government to adopt a stick and carrot approach in its fight against violent extremism.

The Workshop, which was held in Abuja, Nigeria from 23-24 May 2017 was aimed at providing a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between national policies and local realities, advance multi-stakeholder dialogue and develop effective alternative narrative in Nigeria to tackle the challenges of radicalization and violent extremism.

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Maj-Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd) who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, OSGF, Alhaji Aminu Nabegu, said addressing violent extremism required coordinated and comprehensive approaches that would address underlying structural and economic problems.

He added that “The approach must be anchored on continued political and economic growth and improvement, including good governance, strengthening institutions, especially the criminal justice system, and increasing access to jobs and education opportunities for a bulging youth population, building an inclusive administration that takes into account yearnings and aspirations of all”.

Also, the Coordinator Counter Terrorism Centre, Commodore YEM Musa who was represented by Head Preventing Countering Violent Extremism, Mrs. Catherine Udida, stated that the Federal Government had developed several policy and legal frameworks in line with global good practices aimed at tackling issues of violent extremism and terrorism in Nigeria. Some of these policies include; Terrorism Prevention Act (TPA) 201; the Anti-Money Laundering Act 2011; National Security Strategy (NSS) 2014; and the National Counter Terrorism Strategy (NACTEST) 2014.

The Coordinator further explained that as a result of Nigeria’s experience with Violent Extremism, new institutions as well as expertise had been developed. Stating that the country has revised her National Security Strategy (NSS), with short and long term strategic goals to effectively counter Violent Extremism and strengthen collaboration between Government MDAs in combating terrorism.

As part of measures to build capacity of Strategic Communication Liaison Officers across Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and selected Journalists under the Strategic Communication Inter-Agency Policy and Coordination Committee (SC/IPC), the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in collaboration with Nigeria Reconciliation and Stability Programme (NSRP), organised    a Two-Day Capacity Building Workshop on Strategic Communication in Abuja        from 26 – 27 July 2017, with the theme “Mainstreaming Strategic Communication across Government for National Security.”

In his keynote address at the opening of the event, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed stated that the Ministry of Information and Culture has strengthened the capacity of its Information Officers to enable them track media platforms in order to tackle the menace of fake news with fact-based counter-narratives. The Minister added that Social Media platforms remain powerful tools of public communication, but inundated with challenges of fake news which makes it imperative for Information Officers to brace up and overcome the challenge.

Meanwhile, the National Security Adviser (NSA) who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Special Services, Ambassador Aminu Nabegu, called on participants to come up with a strategic communication plan to counter the negative narratives by violent extremist groups.

The representative of the NSA further explained that terrorist groups like Al Qaeda, Boko Haram and ISIS often leverage on modern communication to propagate and sustain their violent ideologies. Stating that the groups were clever at employing fear appeal and terrorist acts to communicate and continuously be on the news media. He, however , called on the participants to take urgent steps to use strategic communication to counter negative narratives from extremist groups.

On his part, the representative of the UK Government Department for International Development (DFID), Dr. Joseph Ochogwu informed participants that the UK government was committed to supporting the Nigerian government and its people to end the complex humanitarian situation caused by Boko Haram terrorist group.

The Federal Government has appealed for inclusive collaboration among various Security and Response Agencies, as well as Civil Society Organisations (NGOs) in Nigeria to Prevent and Counter Violent Extremism and terrorism by leveraging on Information Communication Technology (ICT).

The Coordinator, Counter Terrorism Centre (CCTC) Commodore YEM Musa made this appeal recently in Abuja while giving his keynote address at a One-Day Workshop organised by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in collaboration with Partners West Africa Nigeria (PWAN) under the Partnership against Violent Extremism (PAVE).

The workshop, with the theme “Enhancing the use of ICT in Counter-Terrorism Policy and Practice” was geared towards assisting Security and Response Agencies in the country to better track, monitor and collect data to enhance public safety and security through existing national policies like National Security Strategy (NSS) and National Counter-Terrorism Strategy (NACTEST).

The Coordinator who was represented by Head Preventing/Countering Violent Extremism Unit, Mrs Catherine Udida, stated that like every developed nation in the world, the country is faced with evolving security issues that continue to challenge government mandates. Adding that Government is implementing key reforms and strategies on public security and policy, some of which include: The National Security Strategy (NSS) 2014, the National Counter-terrorism Strategy (NACTEST 2016) and the National Cyber Security Strategy 2014.

Speaking earlier, the Executive Director, Partner West Africa Nigeria, Mrs. Kemi Okenyodo in her welcome address stated that the workshop was organised as part of her organisation’s Citizens Security Programme area in furtherance of Promoting Informed Dialogue on Security (PRIDES) project. She called for more collaboration and corporation among Security and Response Agencies in the country.

On his part, the Crisis Response Lead at the British High Commission in Nigeria, Mr Micheal Ashew stressed the need for various government agencies to work together and share information, in order to have safer and secured environments, as only one organization could not proffer solutions to all the security problems confronting the nation.

The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) recently hosted a three-day roundtable meeting of the Criminal Justice and Rule of Law Working Group (CJROL), under the Global Counter Terrorism Forum (GCTF) in Abuja. The roundtable meeting was a build-up to Nigeria and Switzerland taking over from the United State of America (USA) and Egypt, as the Co-Chairs of the CJROL working group at the just concluded side event of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Nigeria and Switzerland in the next two years will be working together as partners towards advancing the two countries objectives on the global fight against terrorism within the purview of Criminal Justice and Rule of Law.

Speaking during the roundtable meeting, the Coordinator Counter Terrorism Centre, Commodore YEM Musa who is the Nigeria Co-Chair of the Working Group stated that GCTF has been a major player in providing a platform where countries come together and exchange ideas and experiences in order to offer solutions to the world challenges posed by terrorism.

The Coordinator further explained that the platform had not only helped countries to address their terrorism challenges but helped them to support the implementation of the United Nation Global Counter Terrorism Strategy. Stating that the Forum has supported greatly non-military approaches to counter terrorism, using Rule of Law and Human Right Compliant methodologies.

The Swiss Co-Chair, Ambassador at Large for international Counter-Terrorism, Mr. Stephen Husy said Nigeria-Swiss Co-Chair was due to intensive corporation between the two countries. He emphasized the need to look for civil based legal solutions in preventing and countering violent extremism.

The Nigeria- Swiss Co-Chairs proposed cooperation with other GCTF Emerging and Regional Working Groups on the issues of mutual, interest and concern that would be identified after the determination of the other Working Groups Priorities. The areas of cooperation would include Detention and Reintegration; Capacity Building for strengthening Investigation, Prosecution and Adjudication; Preventing Violent Extremism; Border Security and other activities in the Lake Chad Basin and West Africa Region, and Proliferation of Small Arms and light weapons.

Meanwhile, the National Judicial Institute (NJI) has expressed readiness to partner with the Criminal Justice and Rule of Law Working Group in combating Violent Extremism. The Director of study at the Institute, Hajiya, Maryam Kawu stated this in Abuja when the CJRLO working group visited the Institute to seek collaboration with the Institute in implementing its strategic plan in the next two years. 

The Federal Government has showcased Nigeria’s Policy Framework and National Action Plan for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism at a Side Event hosted by the Global Solutions Exchange (GSX) during the 72nd United Nations General Assembly in New York last month.

Speaking at the event, the Coordinator Counter Terrorism Centre, Commodore YEM Musa said President Muhammadu Buhari on 24 August, 2017 issued a Presidential Directive for full implementation of the Policy Framework and national Action Plan

The Coordinator explained that, “after five years of experimenting with several approaches to complement Nigeria’s national counter terrorism measures to deal with violent conflicts in Nigeria, address the underlying conditions that are conducive to the spread of terrorism and help communities recover from the consequences of violence, the country had emerged stronger in the face of violent extremism “ We now understand the threat better, our policy is backed by a clear evidence base, we are now more convinced that international cooperation works and that when Government work closely with Civil Society, we will always be closer to dismantling the web of Violent Extremism in our societies” he added.

Nigeria’s Policy Framework and National Action Plan for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism has four core objectives, which include, strengthening institutions and Coordination of Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism  Programming; Strengthen accessible justice system, human rights and the Rule of law; Strengthening community engagement and building resilience; and institutionalizing and mainstreaming strategic communication into Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism  programming.

The Coordinator of the Counter Terrorism Centre commended the immense support received from the U.K. DFID, the Nigeria Stability and Reconciliation Programme, the European Union, Government of the Netherlands, Government of Switzerland and several partners who shared experiences with Nigeria in developing the Policy Framework against violent extremism.