The Federal Government has rolled out a new long-term security roadmap aimed at transforming Nigeria’s response to terrorism and violent extremism.
The Nigeria Counter-Terrorism Strategic Plan (2025–2030) was officially unveiled in Abuja on Monday, marking a major shift in the country’s national security direction.
The document—crafted by the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) under the Office of the National Security Adviser—sets out a five-year framework expected to guide security operations, strengthen intelligence coordination, and modernise the nation’s defence posture.
Unveiling the plan, Senate President Godswill Akpabio described it as a patriotic recommitment to securing Nigeria’s future.
“This is a reaffirmation that Nigerians deserve safety, that our children deserve peace, and that our country must be stable before it can thrive,” Akpabio declared at the event.
According to him, the strategic plan focuses on rebuilding security institutions, deploying modern technology, reinforcing community resilience, and creating a unified security front involving government and non-state actors.
He emphasised that the plan answers Nigeria’s most pressing question: How do we secure lives, restore stability, and set the country on an irreversible path to prosperity?
Heightened Attacks Underscore Need for New Strategy
The unveiling of the plan comes amid a wave of brutal attacks across several states.
Recent incidents include:
* The invasion of Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, where terrorists killed the vice principal and abducted 25 female students.
* An attack on Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Igan, Eruku in Kwara State, which left three worshippers dead and 38 kidnapped—later rescued on Sunday.
* The shocking raid on St. Mary’s Catholic Primary & Secondary Schools, Papiri, Agwara LGA in Niger State, where 303 students, pupils and staff were kidnapped, sparking widespread outrage. At least 50 victims have reportedly escaped.
These incidents form part of a broader escalation in terrorism and banditry that has stretched Nigeria’s security forces and deepened public anxiety.
Akpabio said insecurity now poses a direct threat to the nation’s survival.
“Investments dry up, classrooms empty, farms are abandoned, and the hope of young Nigerians fades,” he warned.
Legislative Support and the Need for Long-Term Action
The Senate President noted that the 10th National Assembly has passed several new laws strengthening security operations in areas such as policing, defence, intelligence, cybersecurity, and counter-terrorism.
He reiterated that parliament will continue providing legislative and budgetary backing for the ongoing security reform.
However, Akpabio stressed that legislation alone cannot defeat terrorism.
“We must invest in people, in technology, in training, and in global partnerships. Firefighting is not enough—we need long-term planning,” he added.
He called for a unified national response that involves communities, traditional institutions, private organisations, civil society, and international partners.
NCTC: Plan Developed Through Broad Consultation
National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, represented by NCTC Coordinator Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, said the plan emerged from extensive research and multi-sector consultations.
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Stakeholders included ministries, security and intelligence agencies, academics, civil society organisations, development experts and Nigeria’s international allies.
Laka revealed that one of the long-term goals is to position Nigeria as a regional centre for counter-terrorism innovation, particularly within West Africa and the Sahel.
