The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has expressed confidence that Nigeria will be safer & emerge as a regional centre of excellence for counterterrorism by 2030.
Speaking in Abuja at the launch of the National Counter Terrorism Centre’s Strategic Plan (2025–2030), Ribadu, represented by Major-General Adamu Laka, described the plan as a roadmap to strengthen the nation’s fight against terrorism & violent extremism.
He said the strategy builds on the National Counter Terrorism Strategy, aligns with the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 & aims to position Nigeria as a regional leader in West Africa & the Sahel.
Ribadu highlighted that over the past two decades, the country has faced evolving t+rrorist thr£ats from the North-East insurgency to emerging dangers in the North-West & South-East. He stressed the need for both kinetic and non-kinetic measures to tackle these threats effectively.
He called for unity and collaboration, emphasising that no single agency can defeat t+rrorism alone. “It requires shared responsibility across government, security agencies, citizens, and international partners,” he said.
The Strategic Plan outlines nine priorities, including enhancing intelligence and operational coordination, strengthening legal support for t+rrorism prosecutions, countering vi%lent extremism, promoting regional cooperation, and building institutional capacity, all supported by measurable indicators.
Senator Godswill Akpabio, President of the Senate, reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to supporting the plan, describing it as a framework to modernise security institutions, boost national resilience, and expand partnerships with government, civil society, and international partners.
Ribadu said that by 2030, Nigeria is expected to be not only more secure but also a recognised hub for counterterrorism and a beacon of resilience in Africa.
