AU, Nigeria’s NCTC Sign MoU to Boost Counter-Terrorism Efforts Across Africa
By Safiyat Muhammed, Addis Ababa
The African Union (AU) Commission and Nigeria’s National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in combating terrorism and violent extremism across Africa.
The agreement, signed at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, establishes a strategic framework for cooperation, aligning Nigeria’s counterterrorism policies with continental strategies to boost technical capacity and coordination.
The MoU was endorsed by Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, and Major General Adamu Garba Laka, National Coordinator of the NCTC.
Amb. Adeoye praised Nigeria for its leading role in counterterrorism within West Africa and the Sahel.
“The region and the continent have greatly benefitted from the NCTC’s leadership, advanced technology, and state-of-the-art facilities, which have strengthened regional and continental security,” he said, adding that the agreement aligns with the Abuja Process Declaration of April 2024.
Major General Laka stressed Nigeria’s strategic commitment to regional peace.
“By collaborating with the African Union, we aim to enhance regional capacities, harmonise strategies, and ensure peace and security across Africa,” he said.
The MoU, which takes immediate effect, will be jointly implemented by the African Union Counter-Terrorism Centre (AUCTC) and Nigeria’s NCTC.
Key areas of cooperation include:
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Real-time intelligence and information sharing.
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Secondment of NCTC experts to the AUCTC.
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Joint research and training initiatives.
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Support for deradicalisation, reintegration, and victim recovery.
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Strengthening regional task forces such as the Nouakchott Process, Accra Initiative, UFL-Sahel Joint Force, and the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).
A Joint Working Group will monitor implementation and progress.
This milestone highlights Nigeria’s continued leadership in continental security efforts under the framework of the African Union.