7 hours Ago By Animashaun Salman
In what stakeholders have hailed as a significant stride towards sustainable peace and national security, the National Counter Terrorism Centre under the Office of the National Security Adviser has reinforced its commitment to combatting terrorism and violent extremism through strategic dialogue and collaboration. Speaking at a high-level meeting on Building Inclusive Advocacy Coalitions for Sustainable Natural Resource Management and Pathways out of Violence, Director of the NCTC, Hajiya Mario Abbas, underscored the crucial role of collective action in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges. She extended the appreciation of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the National Coordinator of the NCTC, Maj.
Gen. Adamu Garba Laka, to the Sokoto State Government and key partners for their unwavering support in implementing the Policy Framework and National Action Plan for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism across the country. At the core of the discussions was the need for a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach in tackling security threats.
The NCTC, according to Abbas, plays a pivotal role in coordinating various counter terrorism initiatives, including Disarmament, Demobilisation, and Reintegration programs. These initiatives provide an exit pathway for individuals formerly involved in terrorism and violent extremism, offering them an opportunity for rehabilitation and reintegration into society. The program also ensures that high-risk individuals undergo due legal processes.
A key takeaway from the dialogue was the emphasis on Alternative Dispute Resolution as a more effective and less costly method of addressing conflicts outside of traditional legal systems. Thus, Abbas highlighted the importance of empowering Civil Society Organisations, traditional rulers, and religious leaders to actively participate in peacebuilding efforts, given their deep-rooted influence within communities. While also recognising the intersection of natural resource management and conflict —especially in the North-West region —stakeholders at the event explored strategies to foster peace through sustainable resource governance, justice provisioning, and reconciliation mechanisms.
“This event, which partly focuses on exit pathways out of violence and criminality, is timely and contributes to national policy processes in line with the presidential directive,” Abbas noted. Related News Meanwhile, the NCTC reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships and building institutional capacities to ensure long-term peace and security. Arewa PUNCH reports that as the Nigeria continues its fight against extremism, the collaboration between the government agencies, local authorities, and international partners remains vital in securing a resilient future for the nation.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Country Director of International Alert, Dr Paul Nyulaku-Bemshima, said the two-day event in Sokoto was a call for action, especially for decision makers on the best possible ways to handle issues and tackle challenges together by putting ideas together. He said the meeting, held in partnership with state governments, aimed to create a platform for peer learning, policy review, and the identification of critical gaps in addressing insecurity. According to Nyulaku-Bemshima, “With secretaries to state governments and commissioners in attendance, the discussions revolved around a regional approach to insecurity in northern Nigeria.
“The delegates explored collaborative strategies to promote peace, establish effective mechanisms for managing natural resources, and address the root causes of instability.” Also speaking, the team lead, Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRING),’ Dr Ukoha Ukiwo, noted that the program was supported by the United Kingdom government to support peace and tranquility in the country. Other speakers at the opening of the event with a theme: ‘Executive Policy and Peer Learning Roundtable on Natural Resources Management and Pathways out of Violence in the North-West’ included the Chairman, House Committee on Peace Building and Social Cohesion, Hon.
Adewale Moruf Adebayo, who joined the meeting virtually. Others were: the Secretary to Benue State Government, Bar Deborah Serlumun Aber; and the representative of the Commissioners of Justice in both Zamfara and Katsina states..
