Nuhu Ribadu Advocates African Solutions at Counterterrorism Forum

Malam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, delivered the keynote address at the High-Level African Lessons Learned Forum on Counter-Terrorism Cooperation, Intelligence Sharing and Emerging Technologies at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in Abuja. Ribadu asserted that sustainable solutions to terrorism and violent extremism in Africa must be based on African ownership and regional solidarity.

He highlighted Nigeria's fifteen-year experience in counterinsurgency, stating that military operations alone cannot eradicate terrorism. Ribadu called for a comprehensive approach that includes financial intelligence, border control, and community resilience.

Major General Adamu Garba Laka, the National Coordinator of the NCTC, noted the centre's evolution into a strategic resource for West Africa and the Sahel, emphasizing intelligence fusion and regional cooperation. He mentioned that over 3,000 individuals have benefited from non-kinetic programmes like Operation Safe Corridor, which provides deradicalisation and rehabilitation.

The forum also focused on strengthening institutional linkages across Africa and with international bodies.