Nigeria has intensified its efforts to address violent extremism and support victims of terrorism with the launch of a high-level Policy Dialogue and Training on Victims’ Assistance and Violent Extremism Prevention.
The event, held at the National Counter Terrorism Centre in Abuja, brought together local and international stakeholders under the framework of South-South Cooperation.
Representing Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser, Adamu Laka, National Coordinator of the Centre, welcomed participants to the event aimed at enhancing collaboration and knowledge sharing among security agencies, civil society organisations, ministries, and international partners, notably the delegation from Colombia’s Unit for the Attention and Integral Reparation of Victims.
“This important engagement reflects our collective commitment to placing the rights, needs, and dignity of victims at the heart of Nigeria’s counter-extremism efforts.
“It is part of a broader South–South Cooperation Technical Mission dedicated to building the capacity of our national steering committee on preventing and countering violent extremism”, the Coordinator said.
Participants at the dialogue include representatives from various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), security and intelligence bodies, traditional and religious leaders, as well as experts in post-conflict recovery and peacebuilding.
The Coordinator highlighted that Nigeria continues to face a complex web of security threats, including terrorism, banditry, ethno-religious violence, kidnapping, separatist movements, and recurring farmer-herder conflicts, all of which have severely impacted national unity and economic development.
“In this context, Colombia’s experience in peacebuilding, victim rehabilitation, and post-conflict stabilisation presents a valuable opportunity for Nigeria.
“We are grateful for the solidarity and technical support extended by our Colombian counterparts”, he said.
According to Laka, the dialogue aims not only to share best practices but also to interrogate existing policies, identify gaps, and recommend more inclusive and human-centred approaches to national security.
“This strategic vision , anchored on a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach calls for mobilising not just our security and justice institutions, but also our health, education, and community systems.
“Together with civil society, faith leaders, and international allies, we must address both the visible and invisible wounds left by terrorism,” the Coordinator stressed.
He encouraged all participants to contribute actively and propose actionable solutions to improve Nigeria’s policy framework and programmes aimed at both preventing violent extremism and supporting those directly affected.
The Coordinator extended Nigeria’s gratitude to Colombia for its leadership and continued partnership, expressing hope for sustained collaboration in the shared quest for peace, justice, and resilience.
