Quote from Alex bobby on February 28, 2025, 4:06 AM

Nigeria Revamps Counterterrorism Strategy Amid Rising Threats

Abuja, Nigeria — In response to the growing sophistication of terrorist groups operating within its borders, Nigeria's National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC) has initiated a review of the country's national anti-terrorism strategy. Authorities say the move is necessary to counter emerging threats posed by extremist organizations that have been leveraging advanced technology and exploiting socio-political grievances to expand their reach.

An Evolving Threat Landscape

Nigeria's first official counterterrorism strategy was introduced in 2014 and later revised in 2016. However, security officials acknowledge that the landscape has changed significantly, necessitating another review.

"The tactics used by non-state actors keep evolving and have become highly unpredictable," said Major General Adamu Garba Laka, the national coordinator of the Counter Terrorism Center. "Nigeria is grappling with the challenges of insecurity, but thanks to the efforts made by personnel and agencies in charge of securing the lives of citizens, we have ensured a decline in the number of such incidences."

The review comes at a critical time, just three months after authorities warned about the emergence of Lakurawa, a new terrorist group operating in Nigeria’s northwest region. This new faction, along with long-standing threats from Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), underscores the need for an adaptive counterterrorism strategy.

Technological Advancements in Terrorism

Authorities say terrorist organizations are increasingly utilizing sophisticated technology, including encrypted messaging apps, social media recruitment campaigns, and drones, to coordinate attacks and expand their influence. These groups also exploit economic hardships, political grievances, and weak law enforcement in remote areas to recruit fighters and radicalize local populations.

Security analysts warn that this trend is not unique to Nigeria but is part of a global shift in how terrorist groups operate.

"I don't see it as something that we didn't expect. That's the reality of emerging security," said security analyst Chidi Omeje. "They have these links with terror networks, so they'll naturally grow in these proficiencies. It's up to us to devise ways to counter those technologies they're using."

A Persistent Security Challenge

For over a decade, Nigeria has struggled to curb the violence unleashed by extremist groups. Since 2009, more than 35,000 people have lost their lives due to terrorist attacks, and at least two million have been displaced. While the overall number of terrorism-related deaths has declined in recent years, the underlying issues—poverty, poor governance, and weak security infrastructure—continue to fuel extremism.

The recent attack on a military base near Nigeria’s border with Niger, which left 20 soldiers dead, highlights the continued threat posed by these groups. Beyond revising counterterrorism strategies, security experts argue that authorities must also identify and dismantle the financial networks supporting terrorism.

Security expert Ebenezer Oyetakin emphasized this point, stating, "When you take a look at the operation of al-Qaida, compare it with ISIS—the way they move in their convoy—and then compare it with Boko Haram, you'll see the semblance. They are too dynamic; they're not just a bunch of illiterates trying to make ends meet. We should look for those behind them rather than contending with policies that are not sincerely being implemented."

Regional and Continental Counterterrorism Efforts

Nigeria is not alone in confronting the growing threat of terrorism. Africa has become the global epicenter of terrorism, recording the highest number of terror-related deaths in 2023. Recognizing the continent-wide implications of the crisis, Nigeria hosted the African Counter-Terrorism Summit last April, bringing together hundreds of experts and policymakers to develop a unified strategy against militant groups.

Despite these collaborative efforts, Nigeria’s immediate priority remains strengthening its domestic resilience against terrorism. The revised counterterrorism strategy is expected to redefine the roles of government agencies involved in security operations, ensuring a more coordinated and effective response to extremist threats.

Looking Ahead

While the Nigerian government has made strides in weakening terrorist groups, the battle is far from over. With extremists continuously adapting their tactics and leveraging modern technology, authorities must remain proactive in countering emerging threats. The success of the revised counterterrorism strategy will depend not only on security operations but also on addressing the socio-economic conditions that allow extremist ideologies to thrive.

As Nigeria moves forward with this critical review, the challenge will be balancing security measures with fundamental human rights while fostering economic and political stability in the affected regions. Only through a multi-pronged approach can the country hope to achieve long-term peace and security.