Nigeria strengthens cooperation with communities in countering terrorism
In Nigeria, the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) and the Borno State Network of Civil Society Organisations (NECSOB) have launched a strategic partnership. It is intended to strengthen interaction between the state, civil society organisations and local communities in preventing and countering terrorism.
As Premium Times Nigeria reports, the NCTC operates within the Office of the National Security Adviser and coordinates the country's nationwide response to terrorist threats. NECSOB brings together more than 200 civil society organisations that work directly with communities in northeastern Nigeria.
Working with communities
As part of the cooperation, the parties plan to conduct information campaigns and community engagement activities. They are also to implement initiatives to support peace, strengthen social cohesion and achieve national security goals.
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The partnership provides for encouraging citizens to take an active part in preventing terrorism. The parties also plan to highlight measures to protect civilians and livelihoods. The NCTC already works with the Partnership Against Violent Extremism network and other structures, while the new partnership is expected to expand the reach of regional campaigns.
Shared responsibility
The NCTC noted that lasting security depends not only on the work of security agencies, but also on the participation of citizens, local leaders, religious groups, educators, youth organisations and the media. General Laka of the NCTC said that cooperation among state institutions, civil society organisations, communities and the media can strengthen society's resilience and trust among participants in this process.
