The new Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser, Maj-Gen. Adamu Laka (retd.), has started his role.
President Bola Tinubu, on March 26, 2024, approved appointed Laka to replace Rear Admiral Yaminu Musa (retd.).
Musa was chosen by former President Mohammadu Buhari on August 16, 2022, as the first coordinator of the center.
The NCTC is situated in the Office of the National Security Adviser as the coordinating body for the synchronization of all counter-terrorism and terrorism financing efforts in the country.
The NCTC is also responsible for coordinating counter-terrorism policies, strategies, plans, and support in the execution of the functions of the NSA as provided in the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.
Before his appointment, Musa had served as the Director of the Counter Terrorism Directorate in the ONSA since 2017.
In a statement on Thursday, the Head of Strategic Communication
NCTC-ONSA, Abu Michael, stated that Laka stressed the importance of cooperation among relevant stakeholders.
Laka added that everyone must work together to defeat terrorists committing crimes in the country.
The statement partially said, “While receiving the handover document from his predecessor, General Laka who described his appointment by President Tinubu as an honor, said everyone must work together to defeat the complex terror in Nigeria.
“The new coordinator encouraged staff to display more dedication and discipline in carrying out their duties to achieve the center’s mandate.”
Earlier, Musa mentioned that during his tenure, the Center initiated various efforts such as the establishment of the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Centre and Counter Financing of Terrorism Joint Standing Committee, among other initiatives focusing on Countering Violent Extremism and enhancing Aviation Security.
“The NCTC has also, during this time, accomplished other notable milestones including the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the United Nations Office of Counter Terrorism, the establishment of an Open-Source Intelligence cell for effective investigation and prosecution of terrorism-related cases, as well as strategic control and tracking of explosives in the country,” the statement further noted.
