From Victor Osula, Abuja
On Monday, Nigeria unveiled the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) Strategic Plan 2025–2030, a comprehensive roadmap designed to modernise the country’s security framework and strengthen the national response to terrorism and violent extremism.
Speaking at the launch in Abuja, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, described the new strategic plan as timely, pragmatic and fully aligned with the Federal Government’s commitment to restoring peace and stability across the country.
Akpabio said insecurity has, for years, slowed national growth, disrupted education, discouraged investment and weakened communities, stressing that the new plan marks a decisive step towards reversing those setbacks.
“This strategy provides a disciplined framework to transform institutions, integrate advanced technology, improve intelligence coordination and foster stronger collaboration across government and society”, he said.
He highlighted three core pillars embedded in the five-year plan: strengthening national resilience through early warning systems and community-based intelligence; deploying modern technologies such as drones and cybersecurity tools; and expanding regional and international partnerships to confront cross-border threats.
The Senate President also underscored the need for sustained investment in training, technology and personnel, adding that the private sector has a vital role to play in financing security initiatives and supporting victims of terrorism. He assured that the National Assembly would enforce transparency and accountability in all security-related collaborations.
Describing the plan as “a national promise that Nigeria will not yield to fear or insecurity”, Akpabio urged traditional rulers, civil society organisations, youth groups, private-sector leaders and global partners to unite in safeguarding the nation.
He assured that the National Assembly would enforce transparency and accountability in such collaborations and closely monitor implementation.
“The Strategic Plan is a national promise that Nigeria will not yield to fear or insecurity. Citizens, traditional rulers, civil society, youth groups, the private sector and international allies must unite to safeguard the nation”, he explained.
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, represented by the National Coordinator of the NCTC, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, said the new plan is built on lessons learned from over two decades of counter-insurgency operations.
He identified unemployment, drug abuse and lack of economic opportunities as key drivers of violent extremism. Laka said initiatives such as the Seeds of Hope programme—targeted at rehabilitating victims of terrorism through agriculture and livelihood support—reflect the plan’s broad focus on intelligence, operations, legal reforms, strategic communication and national resilience.
He added that the implementation of the plan positions Nigeria as a regional leader in counter-terrorism and reaffirms the country’s long-term commitment to peace, stability and security.
