The Federal Government has unveiled a revised National Counter-Terrorism Strategy (NACTEST) for 2025, placing international cooperation alongside local engagement as key to combating security threats.
At the validation session in Abuja, NCTC Coordinator, Major General Adamu Laka, said the strategy aims to foster unity among security agencies while encouraging communities to take an active role in countering radicalisation.
“The review of the National Counter-Terrorism Strategy represents a reaffirmation of our whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to counter-terrorism. It emphasises prevention alongside response, strengthens interagency coordination, and embeds resilience, inclusivity, and community engagement at the core of our security architecture,” Laka said.
According to him, the consultation process began in February 2025 and brought together ministries, departments, civil organisations, academic experts, and foreign partners to ensure the plan meets global benchmarks.
Commodore Ahmad Madawaki, NCTC Director of Policy and Strategy, said the strategy is built on coordinated governmental action and broad societal participation. “The whole-of-society approach engages communities, civil society organisations, and the private sector in building trust, promoting social cohesion, and countering extremist narratives,” he explained.
He stressed that the revised plan incorporates lessons from international best practices and addresses gender inclusivity and human rights. “Terrorism is a global phenomenon that requires international cooperation and support. The impact of the work that you do here today will resonate beyond the walls of this room,” Madawaki concluded.