Nigeria strengthens regional cooperation to combat terrorism, extremism

Nigeria has restated its commitment to strengthening regional collaboration in combating terrorism and violent extremism across Africa.

Speaking at the opening of a two-day Capacity Building Workshop and Preparatory Meeting for the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council (PSC) Committee of Experts in Abuja, National Counterterrorism Centre (NCTC) Coordinator, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, said the event underscored Nigeria’s leadership and resolve to promote continental security cooperation.

He noted that the continent faces evolving threats — from terrorism to transnational crime — requiring innovative and coordinated responses.

“No country can overcome these challenges in isolation,” Laka said, stressing Nigeria’s commitment to regional intelligence sharing and capacity building.

Laka highlighted the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the NCTC and the AU Commission as a milestone in boosting counterterrorism collaboration in West Africa and the Sahel.

Chairperson of the PSC Committee of Experts, Dr. Jean Djeunkeng, commended Nigeria for hosting the meeting, describing it as timely amid Africa’s growing insecurity.

He urged stronger mechanisms for conflict prevention, management, and resolution across the continent.

Djeunkeng said the retreat would review the council’s effectiveness, assess challenges, and propose reforms to improve its work.

He expressed optimism that the outcome would strengthen Africa’s collective peace and security efforts ahead of the 17th PSC Ministerial Retreat scheduled for November 6–7 in Abuja.

Head of the PSC Secretariat, Neema Chusi, also lauded Nigeria and the NCTC for their leadership, urging African countries to adopt coordinated, homegrown solutions to terrorism and organised crime.

The meeting brought together experts from AU member states, regional bodies, and security institutions to harmonise positions ahead of the main AU Peace and Security Council retreat.