NSA seeks proactive strategies to counter threats of extremist groups

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has called for dynamic, proactive, and relevant strategies to effectively counter the threats posed by the activities of extremist groups.

Ribadu made the call at the Pre-Review Workshop for the Policy Framework and National Action Plan for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism in Nigeria, held on Monday in Abuja.

Ribadu was represented by his Senior Special Assistant, Hajiya Idayat Hassan, at the workshop organised by the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), in collaboration with its foreign partners.

He said that Nigeria, like many nations, faced the devastating consequences of violent extremism including loss of lives, destruction of communities, and erosion of the social fabric of the nation.

According to him, these effects serve as stark reminders of the urgent need for a comprehensive and effective strategy to counter these threats and provide actionable solutions.

“However, the fight against violent extremism is not static; it demands constant vigilance, continuous learning, and a proactive approach to address evolving threats.

“Extremist groups continue to evolve, adapting their tactics and exploiting new technologies and online platforms to spread their ideologies.

“To effectively counter these threats, our strategies must remain dynamic, proactive, and relevant.

“This review also presents an opportunity to critically assess past interventions, identifying successes and areas that require improvement to refine our approaches and incorporate best practices,” he said.

Ribadu said it was essential to align the efforts with national security priorities and international obligations, ensuring that the strategies remain consistent with global standards and contribute to broader regional and international security objectives.