The Africa Center for Strategic Studies (ACSS) Nigeria Alumni Chapter and the National Counterterrorism Centre (NCTC) under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) have strengthened their partnership to support the implementation of Nigeria’s National Counterterrorism Strategy (NACTEST) 2025–2030, reinforcing efforts to improve national security through greater collaboration, strategic planning, and institutional cooperation.
The renewed collaboration reflects a shared commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s capacity to prevent violent extremism, strengthen counterterrorism coordination, improve intelligence sharing, promote strategic research, and support the effective execution of the country’s long-term security framework.
Furthermore, both organisations recognised that combating terrorism requires sustained cooperation among government institutions, security agencies, research organisations, development partners, and civil society groups working together toward common national objectives.
According to participants, the implementation of the updated NACTEST 2025–2030 provides an important opportunity to strengthen institutional resilience while improving coordination among stakeholders involved in Nigeria’s national security architecture.
The partnership also demonstrates continued efforts to ensure that counterterrorism strategies remain responsive to evolving security challenges while promoting stability, peace, and sustainable national development.
Supporting the National Counterterrorism Strategy
The collaboration centres on supporting implementation of NACTEST 2025–2030.
Furthermore, the strategy provides a comprehensive framework designed to strengthen Nigeria’s response to terrorism and violent extremism through coordinated national efforts.
Strategic planning improves effectiveness.
Long-term security requires sustained implementation.
Consistency strengthens institutions.
Building Stronger Institutional Cooperation
Both organisations emphasised the importance of collaboration.
Furthermore, effective counterterrorism depends upon close coordination between government agencies, security institutions, policy experts, and strategic partners.
Cooperation strengthens resilience.
Working together improves operational efficiency while reducing institutional gaps.
Partnership creates stronger outcomes.
Enhancing Intelligence and Information Sharing
Information remains one of the most valuable tools in modern security operations.
Furthermore, stronger cooperation encourages timely information exchange capable of improving decision-making and operational coordination.
Knowledge supports preparedness.
Better communication enhances national security responses.
Shared information strengthens action.
Preventing Violent Extremism
Counterterrorism extends beyond military operations.
Furthermore, preventing radicalisation and violent extremism requires comprehensive approaches involving education, community engagement, policy development, and public awareness.
Prevention reduces long-term risks.
Communities remain important partners in promoting peace.
Engagement builds resilience.
Strengthening National Security
Participants reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Nigeria’s broader security objectives.
Furthermore, stronger institutional partnerships contribute positively to national stability while protecting citizens and critical infrastructure.
Security supports development.
Stable societies encourage investment and economic growth.
Peace enables prosperity.
Research Supports Better Policy
Evidence-based policymaking remains important.
Furthermore, strategic research provides valuable insights capable of improving national security planning and operational effectiveness.
Research strengthens decisions.
Continuous assessment allows strategies to adapt to changing threats.
Learning improves preparedness.
Developing Professional Capacity
Capacity development formed another important aspect of the collaboration.
Furthermore, strengthening professional knowledge among security practitioners improves institutional effectiveness while encouraging adoption of international best practices.
Training improves performance.
Professional development enhances operational excellence.
Knowledge empowers institutions.
Shared Responsibility for National Security
Participants acknowledged that national security remains a collective responsibility.
Furthermore, successful counterterrorism efforts require contributions from government institutions, security agencies, local communities, academics, policy experts, and development partners.
Everyone has a role.
Collective action strengthens national resilience.
Partnership encourages progress.
Promoting Long-Term Stability
The collaboration seeks to support lasting peace rather than temporary solutions.
Furthermore, comprehensive security strategies combine prevention, preparedness, coordination, response, and recovery within a unified national framework.
Long-term planning matters.
Sustainable peace supports national development.
Stability encourages growth.
Looking Ahead
The strengthened collaboration between the Africa Center for Strategic Studies (ACSS) Nigeria Alumni Chapter and the National Counterterrorism Centre (NCTC) under the Office of the National Security Adviser represents another important step toward supporting the implementation of Nigeria’s National Counterterrorism Strategy (NACTEST) 2025–2030.
Furthermore, sustained cooperation among security institutions, research organisations, policymakers, and strategic partners is expected to enhance intelligence sharing, strengthen institutional capacity, improve strategic planning, and reinforce Nigeria’s efforts to combat terrorism and violent extremism. As implementation of the new strategy progresses, continued collaboration, professional development, community engagement, and coordinated national action will remain essential for promoting lasting peace, protecting citizens, and strengthening Nigeria’s overall security architecture.
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