Nigeria’s fight against terrorism dates back to 2009. In response to the challenges of terrorism by the Boko Haram terrorist, the Terrorism Prevention Act 2011 as amended in 2013 was signed into law. The Act designated the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) as the Coordinating Office for Nigeria’s Counter Terrorism efforts. Consequently, the CounterTerrorism Centre (CTC) was established in 2012, but operated as a directorate, in the Office of the National Security Adviser. The Counter Terrorism Centre has pioneered key initiatives since 2012, including, providing leadership, coordination and strategic guidance to Armed Forces, security, law enforcement and intelligence agencies on Counter Terrorism (CT) matters in line with the mandate ofthe National Security Adviser.
Following the development of the National Counter Terrorism Strategy (NACTEST) 2016, Policy Framework and National Action Plan for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism 2017, and the National Security Strategy 2019 in the country, the role of the Centre became more robust and enlarged as a value-adding entity to other strategic agencies and partners in the National CT efforts. This growing profile has meant increased interest in the activities of the Centre, both home and abroad.
To meet the increasing need for effective coordination, the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) was subsequently formally established following the enactment of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act of 2022, and designated as the coordinating body for counter• terrorism and terrorism financing in Nigeria. The Centre is charged with the coordination of counter-terrorism policies, strategies, plans and support in furtherance of Nigeria’s Counter Terrorism objectives.
In addition to coordinating counter terrorism activities within Nigeria, the NCTC is strategically poised as a hub for counter terrorism Program mes and activities within the West African sub-reg ion and seeks to become even more pivotal to building effective regional collaboration by partnering with local and international stakeholders.
The NCTC boasts competent, highly skilled and experienced professionals selected and seconded from the relevant government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). We operate as a multi-stakeholder entity involving a blend of representatives of government, armed forces, security and law enforcement agencies, private sector, academia, professional organizations, general public and international community. Our guiding principle is a whole of government and whole of society approach expected to engender diversity in expertise, innovation and broad• based participation which will inspire trust, cooperation and sustainability of the Centre to delivering on our national CT objectives.
The structure of the National CounterTerrorism Centre, commissioned on 21 March 2023, boasts of an impressive array of amenities including 3 purposely designed and equipped meeting rooms, with on line meeting capabilities for seamless virtual interface. This also includes a dedicated 100• seater capacity Joint Intelligence Briefing Hall which is ideal for online meetings requiring high• qualityvideo and sound interface.
The 300-seater-capacity Auditorium is equipped with language translation gadgets, an interactive screen, and a projector for both in-person and on line audiences. The Centre is also equipped with an expansive exhibition gallery showcasing the rich history of our heritage as a great nation.