Nigeria's Counter-Terrorism Centre Gains AU Accreditation

The African Union has officially accredited Nigeria's National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) as a Regional Centre of Excellence in Counter Terrorism, a decision announced on October 27, 2026, by Dr Idriss Mounir Lallali, the Acting Director of the African Union Counter Terrorism Centre, during the African Lessons Learned Forum in Abuja. This accreditation expands the NCTC's mandate to support countries in West Africa and the Sahel, following a thorough assessment of its institutional capacity, governance, training programs, and adherence to human rights.

National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, represented by NCTC National Coordinator Maj Gen Adamu Laka, described the accreditation as a recognition of Nigeria's progress and an increased responsibility for continental security. Ribadu thanked President Bola Tinubu for his leadership and investment in Nigeria's security architecture, stating that this achievement aligns with the President's Renewed Hope Agenda.

The NCTC will now provide specialized training, joint threat analysis, and enhanced counter-terrorism cooperation to African Union Member States.