Akpabio Unveils New Counter-Terrorism Plan for Nigeria

Nigeria has launched a new five-year roadmap to tackle terrorism and reverse the country’s growing insecurity crisis, which continues to disrupt education, agriculture, and economic growth. 

The plan, unveiled in Abuja on Monday by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, is expected to guide counter-terrorism efforts from 2025 to 2030.

The document, known as the Nigeria Counter-Terrorism Strategic Plan, was produced by the National Counter-Terrorism Centre under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

It outlines a long-term framework for modernising security institutions, coordinating agencies, and strengthening community resilience.

“Our People Deserve to Live Without Fear” — Akpabio

Speaking during the unveiling ceremony, Akpabio said the new strategy reflects Nigeria’s commitment to restoring peace and ensuring that citizens can pursue their lives without constant fear of violent attacks.

He described the plan as a comprehensive guide for transforming the nation’s security architecture and building partnerships across government, industry, civil society, and international allies.

According to him, “insecurity has weakened Nigeria’s development foundations,” causing investors to withdraw, farmers to abandon their fields, and schools to shut down. He added that the widespread fear and uncertainty have eroded the confidence of young Nigerians, a major reason the plan was developed.

Attacks Escalate as Security Agencies Battle Multiple Threats

Nigeria continues to grapple with a surge in kidnappings, mass abductions, and terror attacks. In recent weeks, several deadly incidents renewed national outrage:

Armed men invaded Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, abducting 25 girls and killing the vice principal.
Gunmen attacked a church in Eruku, Kwara State, killing three worshippers and kidnapping 38 others.
In Niger State, terrorists raided St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, abducting 303 pupils, students, and staff. Fifty of the victims later escaped.

These attacks reflect a troubling escalation that has stretched Nigeria’s security agencies thin and intensified calls for a new, coordinated response.

National Assembly’s Role in Strengthening Security Systems

Akpabio highlighted that the 10th National Assembly has passed several key laws focusing on defence, policing, intelligence coordination, cybersecurity, and counter-terrorism. He said lawmakers have worked to enhance agency mandates and improve welfare for security personnel.

However, he stressed that legislation alone cannot resolve the crisis. He called for sustained investments in technology, training, personnel, and strategic partnerships, emphasising the need for long-term planning instead of “short-term firefighting.”

He noted that national security requires contributions from citizens, communities, traditional institutions, private organisations, and international partners, a “Whole-of-Society” approach reflected in the new plan.

A Regional Counter-Terrorism Hub in the Making

National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, represented by Major General Adamu Laka, said the new blueprint is the outcome of extensive research and inter-agency collaboration involving government ministries, academics, civil society groups, and international partners.

He stated that the vision is to position the National Counter-Terrorism Centre as a regional hub for counter-terrorism and preventing violent extremism across West Africa and the Sahel, regions increasingly destabilised by armed groups.