By Nkechi Eze
The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), has urged the media to exercise heightened responsibility in their reporting, protect sensitive security information, and seek clarification through designated official spokespersons, following what it described as inaccurate reports on ongoing counter-terrorism operations in parts of the country, particularly forested areas of Kwara State.
The call was made in an official statement signed by the Head of Strategic Communications at the NCTC, Abu I. Michael, who said recent publications on some online platforms had made it necessary to clarify the nature and framework of current security operations. According to the statement, the NCTC continues to coordinate and support law enforcement, security, and intelligence agencies in countering all forms of terrorism in Nigeria, in line with its statutory mandate.
Citing Part III, Sections 4, 5, and 6 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022, the Centre reaffirmed its central coordinating role under ONSA, noting that Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts are guided by the National Counter Terrorism Strategy (NACTEST). Within this framework, the country’s kinetic approach includes the deployment of hybrid forces, involving the coordinated use of regular security forces alongside trained irregular auxiliaries such as hunters and vigilante elements, particularly in challenging terrains like forests.
The NCTC explained that this approach is not new, recalling that a similar model previously guided the engagement of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in the North East, where trained civilian volunteers worked with the Armed Forces in operations against Boko Haram. It added that the same strategy currently informs hybrid deployments in parts of the North West and North Central regions, aimed at degrading the capabilities of bandit, criminal, and terrorist groups, with several successful outcomes already recorded.
Addressing the situation in Kwara State, the Centre stated that while the operational approach there is consistent with these established strategies, reports circulating in the media are inaccurate. It noted that limited public information on the operations is deliberate, given their sensitive nature. “Details are restricted to prevent operational compromise and to protect the safety of personnel and auxiliary forces,” the statement said.
For clarity, the NCTC stressed that the Federal Government and its agencies are not conducting kinetic operations with any socio-cultural groups. It categorically dismissed claims that the Office of the National Security Adviser had provided arms to any socio-cultural organisation, describing such reports as false and misleading. “All hybrid personnel are recruited directly by authorised security and intelligence agencies following due diligence, and all operations are conducted in accordance with the law and established standard operating procedures,” the statement added.
The Centre therefore advised members of the public to disregard unverified reports that misrepresent the conduct of counter-terrorism operations. It also renewed its appeal to the media to act responsibly, safeguard sensitive security information, and seek clarification through official channels when in doubt.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency within the bounds of national security, the NCTC said it remains committed to an open-door policy aimed at deepening stakeholder understanding of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts, while ensuring that ongoing operations are not compromised.
