Tackling terrorism, violent extremism requires multidimensional approach – ONSA

Rear Adm. Yaminu Musa, Coordinator, Counter-Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), says terrorists’ activities require multidimensional approaches involving all stakeholders to tackle.

Musa stated this at a 4-day masterclass IV on “Strengthening Nigeria’s Implementation of the Policy Framework and National Action Plan (NAP) for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE), in Nigeria” on Tuesday in Abuja.

The masterclass was organised for PCVE officers and NAP steering committee members by ONSA, in collaboration with the Government of the Kingdom of Netherlands.

He said the Policy Framework and National Action Plan for PCVE recognised the integrated roles of government agencies with the larger society as critical by adopting a Whole of Government and a Whole-of-Society approach.

According to him, it encourages the active participation of ministries, departments and agencies of government, as well as critical stakeholders from different sectors of the civil society such as religious actors, youth, teachers, women, law enforcement, the media and community based organization.

“This is essential in order to build networks of peace that create safe and resilient communities across Nigeria, in which human rights and the rule of law guide the approach to combating violent extremism

“The development and implementation of a policy framework prioritises the strengthening of institutions and coordination; access to justice, rule of law, and human rights approaches; engaging communities and building resilience; and integrating strategic communication in PCVE Programmes.

“To enhance the coordination of implementation of the PCVE Framework and action plan the government constitute the PCVE National Action Plan Steering Committee and a functional Secretariat reflecting the broad range of stakeholders across government and civil society.

“The committee is designed to ensure an integrated, coordinated, comprehensive and adaptive approach in implementation of the plan and various levels of government from national, states and local governments,” he said.(NAN)