AU, Nigeria sign MoU to strengthen counterterrorism cooperation

The African Union (AU) and the Federal Government of Nigeria have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance collaboration in the fight against terrorism across Africa.

The agreement was endorsed in Abuja by Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, and Major-General Adamu Laka, National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC).

Commending Nigeria’s role in regional security, Adeoye said the country’s advanced facilities and expertise at the NCTC have “greatly contributed to regional and continental security,” describing Nigeria as “a key anchor state in the fight against terrorism.”

On his part, Laka said the MoU aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to the Abuja Process Declaration of April 2024, adding that it would strengthen regional capacities, harmonise strategies, and demonstrate Nigeria’s resolve to ensure peace and security across the continent.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the MoU will be jointly implemented by the AU Counterterrorism Centre (AUCTC) and Nigeria’s NCTC. Areas of cooperation include real-time intelligence sharing, secondment of experts, joint research, support for victims of terrorism, and deradicalisation and reintegration programmes.

It will also reinforce AU-backed security initiatives such as the Nouakchott Process, the Accra Initiative, the UFL-Sahel Joint Force, and the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), with a Joint Working Group established to oversee implementation.