The National Coordinator of National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Major General Adamu Laka has reiterated that firepower alone would not end terrorism and violent extremism in the country.
Laka made the disclosure at the opening ceremony of Strategic Commander’s Course on Crisis Management at the Office of the National Security Adviser, Abuja.
Special Guest of Honour at the event was the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa.
According to him, Nigeria is grappling with the challenge of insecurity especially in the North East.
He lauded the efforts made by the personnel and agencies in charge of securing the lives of citizens, which he said, has ensured a decline in the number of such incidents.
He said since potential targets and tactics used by terrorists evolve and are highly unpredictable, it has become necessary to include non-state actors in the fight to counter terrorism and all forms of violent extremism.
“There is no gainsaying the importance of stakeholder engagement and the need for them to be alert, trained and be proactive in the handling of the ever evolving tactics of these groups.” He added.
The Crisis Management course was organised by NCTC in collaboration with the British High Commission.
“This course is a follow up to Exercise Crisis Management which took place in November 2024. Participants of that exercise would attest to the fact that it was a success. We are certain that the same would be said of this course upon completion.
“As you are all aware, crisis management is the process by which organisations or governments address disruptive and unexpected events that threaten to harm the entity, stakeholders, and the general public.
“This process involves the strategic planning and execution of actions aimed at mitigating the negative effects of crises, while ensuring that operations continue as smoothly as possible. Nigeria is grappling with the challenge of insecurity especially in the North East.” He said.
Laka said: “Furthermore, as we look forward to a peaceful Nigeria void of terrorist activities and all forms of violence, we must hold ourselves in readiness for any eventuality regardless of our status or background military or civilian.
“For, if indeed, there is any form of insurgency in areas outside the military’s reach it becomes the responsibility of stakeholders to act. Success can only be achieved by parties who prepared and can boast of having an established crisis management plan, conduct regular crisis management exercises, regular training on strategies to determine will respond much quicker and more professionally.
” Although no organization can influence the presence of a terror risk in their city, they can certainly influence their own vulnerability. In the end, employees, clients and the public at large will only remember how the affected organisation or MDA responded to the crisis and whether it remains a trustworthy establishment.”
He hinted that managing crises provoked by terrorists involves a blend of anticipation, preparation, organisation, and application.
Realistic training of personnel involved in crisis management, he said must incorporate the fact that terrorist acts do not occur at the most convenient times.
According to him, the elements of this kind of crisis management are flexibility and the ability to adapt to fast changing situations.
“Law enforcement agencies need to learn as much as possible about contemporary terrorism. We at the Centre, having realized that the fight against terrorism in Nigeria is complex and requires expertise, have continued to leverage on the cordial bilateral and multilateral relations that exists between Nigeria and the UK Government for sustainable partnerships that would improve security.
“This event and similar ones conducted in the past are great achievements which resonate deeply with the mission of the National Counter Terrorism Centre and serve as a guide for our work at the Centre. Since my appointment in April 2024, by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I recognise the daunting task bestowed on me concerning countering terrorism and I have remained committed to achieving this goal.” He added.