AU, Nigeria unite efforts to combat growing terrorism in Africa
The African Union (AU) Commission and the Federal Republic of Nigeria, through the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen collaboration in combating terrorism and violent extremism across the continent.
The agreement, signed at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, establishes a framework to strengthen cooperation, coordination, and technical capacity between the AU and Nigeria. It also aims to harmonise Nigeria’s counterterrorism policies with AU frameworks while aligning national, regional, and continental strategies.
The MoU was signed by AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, and the National Coordinator of the NCTC, Major General Adamu Garba Laka.
Ambassador Adeoye, in his remarks, commended Nigeria’s pivotal role in driving counterterrorism efforts across West Africa and the Sahel, noting the contributions of the NCTC’s advanced facilities and technology to regional and continental security.
On his part, Major General Laka said the partnership marks a milestone that aligns with the Abuja Process Declaration of April 2024, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening peace and security in Africa.
“By collaborating with the African Union, we intend to demonstrate Nigeria’s strategic commitment to combating terrorism and violent extremism through enhanced regional capacities and strategies,” he stated.
The MoU, which takes immediate effect, will be jointly implemented by the African Union Counter-Terrorism Centre (AUCTC) and Nigeria’s NCTC. It also supports regional task forces such as the Nouakchott Process, the Accra Initiative, the G5 Sahel Joint Force, and the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).
Key areas of cooperation include real-time information sharing, deployment of NCTC experts to the AUCTC, joint research, and programmes for victim recovery, deradicalization, and reintegration. A Joint Working Group will oversee its implementation.
