NCTC-ONSA HOLD 2ND NATIONAL WORKSHOP ON COUNTER TERRORISM UNDER CT TECH INITIATIVE .... Commends Partners, Sponsors

..... As General Laka conveys the deep appreciation of the NCTC-ONSA to the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre, INTERPOL, and the European Union for their invaluable partnership. 

The Second National Workshop of the National Counter Terrorism Centre on Monday commenced a three day workshop aimed at assessing threats stemming from the use of new technologies for terrorist purposes and developing national counter-terrorism policies and operational responses to counter these identified threats, under the CT TECH+ Initiative.

Speaking at the event which held on Monday 25 August 2025 at the NCTC-ONSA conference room, the National Coordinator NCTC-ONSA, Major General Adamu Laka, who welcomed participants on behalf of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, expressed his sincere appreciation to partners and sponsors, the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre, INTERPOL, and the European Union for their steadfast support and continued partnership.

According to the National Coordinator of the NCTC-ONSA, "the CT TECH+ Initiative is a 2-year joint programme of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre, and INTERPOL, which is funded by the European Union." He said.

"It supports partner states in addressing the evolving risks posed by terrorists’ exploitation of new and emerging technologies, while ensuring that responses remain firmly anchored in the rule of law, human rights, and gender sensitivity. For Nigeria, this directly complements our counterterrorism priorities and the National Security Adviser’s commitment to strengthening non-kinetic approaches underpinned by justice and accountability.

"This workshop builds directly on the success of the First National Workshop on Nigeria’s Law Enforcement Capabilities for New Technologies in Countering Terrorism, held here at the Centre in July 2025. That session initiated a national dialogue on preparedness and capacity. Today, we move a step further by transitioning from capability assessment to the equally important task of identifying threats and shaping policy and operational responses.

"As terrorists increasingly exploit digital platforms, encryption, unmanned systems, and Artificial Intelligence, our ability to anticipate, assess, and mitigate these threats becomes a national imperative. This workshop therefore provides us with the platform to jointly assess such risks and translate findings into actionable national counterterrorism policies and operational strategies.

"I am particularly pleased with the wide representation of stakeholders here from policymakers, security and law enforcement agencies, and criminal justice actors, to regulators, and subject matter experts. This broad inclusivity reflects our longstanding Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society approach, which the National Counter Terrorism Centre has consistently applied in driving Nigeria’s counterterrorism agenda. It is also fully in line with the recommendations of our sponsors under the CT TECH+ Initiative, who continue to emphasize the value of multi-sectoral and collaborative engagement in addressing complex and evolving threats." Major General Laka stated.

Maj. General Adamu Laka, Nat. Coordinator NCTC-ONSA in group photograph with participants at the Workshop 

Major General Adamu Laka disclosed that he has also reviewed the agenda of this workshop and commend its depth. "The focus on threat assessments, risk evaluation, and policy development to be delivered by our esteemed facilitators will no doubt enrich our national perspective and strengthen our collective response."

The National Coordinator of the NCTC-ONSA therefore encouraged participants to contribute actively, and leverage the presence and expertise of the facilitators. The deliberations and recommendations from this workshop will directly inform Nigeria’s Review Report and strengthen our counterterrorism strategy in the face of emerging technological threats.

In his conclusion, General Laka conveyed the deep appreciation of the NCTC-ONSA to the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre, INTERPOL, and the European Union for their invaluable partnership. 

He also thanked all participants for honouring this invitation and the various agencies and institutions you represent. Special appreciation goes to the esteemed facilitators, many of whom have become household names at the Centre through their consistent support and technical expertise.

"On behalf of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the entire team of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, I welcome you all once again and wish us a fruitful and impactful workshop." He concluded.

Thank you and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.