The African Union (AU) Commission and Nigeria’s National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance collaboration in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism across Africa.
The agreement was signed by Bankole Adeoye, AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, and Adamu Laka, National Coordinator of the NCTC.
In a statement issued by Paschal Chem-Langhee, Communication Coordinator of the AU Commission’s Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS) department, the MoU was described as a critical step in aligning Nigeria’s counterterrorism expertise with the AU’s continental security agenda.
Adeoye hailed Nigeria’s leadership in West Africa and the Sahel, commending the country’s advanced counterterrorism infrastructure.
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He said Nigeria’s state-of-the-art facilities at the NCTC have been instrumental in shaping regional and continental responses to security threats.
“The AU is proud to formalise this partnership with Nigeria, a key anchor state in the fight against terrorism.
“The NCTC’s leadership and technology have set a benchmark for counterterrorism efforts in Africa”, Adeoye said.
On his part, Laka said the agreement underscored Nigeria’s resolve to advance the Abuja Process Declaration adopted in April 2024, while reinforcing regional and continental cooperation.
“By working with the African Union, we intend to strengthen regional capacities, harmonise strategies and demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to ensuring peace and security across the continent,” he stated.
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The MoU, according to the AU, will be jointly implemented by the AU Counterterrorism Centre (AUCTC) and Nigeria’s NCTC.
Key areas of cooperation include real-time intelligence sharing, secondment of experts, joint research, support for victims of terrorism, as well as deradicalisation and reintegration programmes.
It will also reinforce existing AU-backed security frameworks such as the Nouakchott Process, the Accra Initiative, the UFL-Sahel Joint Force, and the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).
The statement noted that to ensure accountability, a Joint Working Group will be established to monitor the implementation of the MoU.
