The Nigerian National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), has emphasized the importance of cutting off terrorism financing to dismantle terrorist networks effectively. At a recent meeting in Abuja, NCTC National Coordinator Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka underscored that stopping the flow of funds to terrorists is a crucial step in combating terrorism and violent extremism. His remarks came as he hosted Maj.-Gen. Mohammed Bin Saheed Al-Moghedi, Secretary-General of the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) from Saudi Arabia, emphasising that terrorism is a global threat that requires joint efforts to defeat.
During the meeting, Gen. Laka highlighted the NCTC’s commitment to partnering with the IMCTC for enhanced intelligence sharing, training, and capacity-building. He stated, “Terrorism is a universal challenge, not confined by race, religion, or nationality, which calls for a collective approach in disrupting its sources of strength.” Laka stressed the urgency of international cooperation in identifying and halting financial channels that sustain terrorist activities.
Gen. Laka also praised Saudi Arabia’s long-standing role in providing training for Nigerian military officers and noted the high value Nigeria places on these collaborations. Currently, four Nigerian military officers are training with IMCTC, and discussions with the Nigerian defence leadership have been held to expand this partnership. He added that Nigeria has achieved over 200 convictions of terrorists, with rehabilitation programs for those found innocent, demonstrating the country’s balanced approach to addressing terrorism.
Further, Laka highlighted recent advancements, including Nigeria’s leadership in hosting a high-level African counterterrorism meeting earlier this year, aimed at developing African-led solutions to terrorism. Recommendations from this meeting were presented to the United Nations General Assembly and, if adopted, could establish the NCTC as a regional centre for West Africa and the Sahel. This transformation would position the NCTC as a centre of excellence in non-military, preventive approaches across the region.
Maj.-Gen. Al-Moghedi commended Nigeria’s efforts through the establishment of the NCTC and reiterated the IMCTC’s commitment to collaborating with Nigeria to fight terrorism in Africa. The Secretary-General stated that the IMCTC’s membership remains open to any nation committed to combating terrorism, underscoring its readiness to assist the NCTC in strengthening regional security and countering extremism.
