Nigeria has unveiled a new counter-terrorism plan set to guide national security efforts from 2025 to 2030. The strategic framework was presented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and developed by the National Counter-Terrorism Centre under the Office of the National Security Adviser.
The plan aims to strengthen institutions, modernize the security system, and improve coordination among government agencies, civil society, and international partners. It focuses on enhancing national resilience, developing intelligence capabilities, and expanding collaboration to prevent terrorism and violent extremism.
Officials said insecurity has disrupted development, causing businesses to retreat, schools to close, and farmers to abandon their fields. The strategy seeks to address these issues by providing a structured approach to security, investing in personnel, technology, and training, and fostering partnerships across all sectors of society.
The initiative also seeks to position the National Counter-Terrorism Centre as a regional hub for counter-terrorism expertise in West Africa and the Sahel. Lawmakers have introduced legislation to support security operations, improve coordination between agencies, and safeguard the welfare of security personnel.
Government representatives noted that while laws and policies are essential, long-term planning and practical implementation are crucial for lasting results. The strategy adopts a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, making security a shared responsibility among citizens, institutions, and international allies.
The counter-terrorism plan will guide Nigeria’s efforts over the next five years, aiming to secure communities, protect citizens, and create a stable environment for development and growth.