Col. Usman Advocates Support for Terrorism Victims

During a recent two-day workshop held in Abuja, Col. Ahmad Usman, a retired senior officer and special adviser on security matters to Gov.

Ahmadu Aliyu of Sokoto State, called for structured and institutional support for victims of terrorism. He highlighted the necessity of a coordinated trauma response, emphasizing that security measures must extend beyond kinetic operations to include direct care for those affected by violent extremism.

Col. Usman noted that the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) should lead these efforts, advocating for policies that reflect a growing recognition of the importance of justice and rehabilitation for communities impacted by terrorism.

He recommended the establishment of state-level support centers to provide psychosocial counseling, legal assistance, and livelihood restoration programs for victims. Additionally, he stressed the need for economic empowerment initiatives, including vocational training and microcredit schemes, to reduce vulnerability to re-radicalization and strengthen community resilience against extremism.