President Muhammadu Buhari has officially opened the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the National Counterterrorism Centre (NCTC) in Nigeria. The primary goal of these advanced facilities is to tackle the security challenges facing the country, particularly terrorism and violent extremism.
During the launch, the President emphasised that the facilities would serve as a significant legacy, providing infrastructure for the incoming administration to coordinate national security and counterterrorism efforts effectively.
He also discussed his administration’s accomplishments in national security, including successes in combating terrorism, armed banditry, kidnapping, separatist movements, crude oil theft, piracy, militancy in the South-south, and cyber-security.
The President attributed these successes to the joint efforts of Nigeria’s armed forces, ONSA, security agencies, regional and international partners, and the cooperation of Nigerian citizens.
He expressed his satisfaction with the reduction of terrorism in the North-east, the suppression of armed banditry and kidnapping in the North-west and North-central zones, and the checkmating of separatist movements in the South-east and South-west.
The President further stated that transnational linkages reinforce the need for regional and international cooperation to enhance Nigeria’s national security.
Finally, he expressed delight that the country’s maritime security was being effectively tackled, with notable progress made in addressing piracy, sea robbery, crude oil theft, and illegal fishing in Nigeria’s Maritime Environment.