The National Counter Terrorism Centre,  Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), in collaboration with the British High Commission, held a 2-day Security and Justice Symposium,  in Abuja, on 26-27

Stakeholders from Security and Justice Sectors at the Symposium in a group photograph

The Symposium, with the theme: ‘Securing Peace, Ensuring Justice, Protection, Conduct and Accountability,’ which aimed at analysing the balance between security operations and the justice system, brought together stakeholders

L-R: Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court Abuja, British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa at the Symposium

Speaking at the event, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu said the task at hand is to analyse and strengthen the intricate relationship between military operations and law enforcement, enhancing the protection of civilians, fostering a culture of justice and accountability, and promoting a unified approach in countering Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). According to the NSA, there is a need to promote a unified approach to countering IEDs as the expertise and dedication of the security agencies and the custodian of the law are invaluable in navigating the challenges ahead.

NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu (left), CDS, General Christopher Musa and the National Coordinator, NCTC, Maj Gen AG Laka at the event

“This Security and Justice Symposium is a vital platform for dialogue and collaboration among esteemed security and justice institutions. Our objective today is clear, to delve into the challenges and opportunities for growth within the realms of security and justice.”

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa said it is important that there is equity, fairness, and justice for peace to thrive, emphasizing that everybody must have a sense of belonging which is vital to the non-kinetic aspect of security.

The CDS said Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) are a major challenge in military operations and the military continuously looks for creative ways to tackle the threats.

“We must tackle those who support terrorists, their oxygen is that support system and funding they get and we must stifle it. The role of the citizens can’t be overemphasized, it is important that the security agencies get support and good information from the citizens.”

The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Richard Montgomery stressed that at the heart of the discussion is a recognition of the importance of upholding the rule of law, human rights, humanitarian law, international humanitarian law, and their important role in tackling security challenges.

According to the British High Commissioner, there is a need to consider the different legal principles and frameworks that apply to criminal violence or violent conflicts and how they can be dealt with in conflict zones.

“This symposium today on security and justice is a continuation of a dialogue that we’ve already started, a security and defence partnership that was first initiated some years ago, but was renewed, under the National Security Advisor’s leadership earlier this year in February… I think, we have had a good dialogue on the fact that we all face really complex security challenges in many parts of the world, certainly in West Africa region, and even in Nigeria itself, and these complex challenges require a multifaceted approach.

“I think that there’s already been a productive dialogue in our security and defence partnership. We had a legal frameworks roundtable with Nigerian military officers earlier this year, and a really good debate about how we adapt to different situations, and I’m hoping today we’ll help progress that dialogue on which Nigerian legal frameworks are appropriate in which circumstances,” stated the British Commissioner.

Mr. Richard Montgomery admits that the UK from its experience and involvement in armed conflict knows too well that incorporating human rights doctrine can be quite challenging as the strategies needed are not without complexity.

While reflecting, Mr. Montgomery said Nigeria and the UK have had an incredibly productive, open relationship between the civilian and the military components that work on peace and security.