Nigeria has recorded 775 convictions from eight phases of terrorism-related trials, underscoring its commitment to tackling terrorism through lawful processes.
Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser (NCTC-ONSA), disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja at the opening of the Regional Conference on Combating Emerging Terrorist Groups and Strengthening Sustainable Security in the ECOWAS Region and the Sahel.
The two-day conference, organised in partnership with the ECOWAS Commission, convened security chiefs, policymakers, regional institutions, and development partners to refine strategies against terrorism and violent extremism.
Laka said the trials not only served as proof of Nigeria’s resolve to deliver justice but also created pathways for rehabilitation and reintegration of repentant fighters.
“So far, we have conducted eight phases of terrorism trials with 775 convictions. This sends a clear message that terrorism will not go unpunished, and at the same time, our approach recognises the need for non-kinetic measures such as dialogue, reconciliation, empowerment, and community resilience,” he stated.
He explained that Nigeria’s counterterrorism strategy relied on “whole-of-government” and “whole-of-society” approaches, involving state institutions, civil society, traditional and religious leaders, the private sector, and youth.
While acknowledging the importance of military action, the NCTC boss stressed that sustainable peace hinged on addressing root causes such as poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion, while rebuilding trust in governance.
Laka also recalled Nigeria’s hosting of the African Counter-Terrorism Summit in April 2024, which produced the Abuja Declaration. The declaration recognised the NCTC as a Regional Centre of Excellence for Counter-Terrorism in West Africa and the Sahel.
He said the current regional meeting was aimed at consolidating that mandate through deeper cooperation and actionable recommendations.
According to him, expected outcomes of the conference include a situational analysis of emerging terrorist groups, renewed commitment to operationalise the ECOWAS Counterterrorism Force, and practical strategies for intelligence sharing and strengthening border security.
He added that mainstreaming youth, civil society, and the media into regional security efforts would also be prioritised.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that representatives of ECOWAS, the United Nations, and other international partners are attending the conference.
