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The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), are partnering to countering terrorism, preventing and countering violent extremism in Nigeria.
The National Coordinator, NCTC, retired Rear Adm. Yamimu Musa, said this when he received the leadership of CAN led by its president, Arch-Bishop Daniel Okoh, in his Office in Abuja.
According to a statement by the Director, Strategic Communication, NCTC, ONSA, Mr Ozoya Imohimi, on Wednesday in Abuja, Musa said the partnership was in continuation of the implementation of whole-of-government and whole-of society approach to counter terrorism efforts.
He said this was in line with the mandate of the centre, as stipulated in the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act (2022) and the National Security Strategy (2019).
He said the collaboration between the NCTC and CAN was necessary to formulate and implement the nation’s counter terrorism efforts as well as the overall national security policies.
He added that CAN had been a longtime ally of the centre as a member of the National Strive Juvenile Steering Committee, chaired by the NCTC.
Musa assured the Christian body of the centre’s continued collaboration with relevant government agencies and other religious bodies, as well as the Civil Society Organisations in the areas of advocacy and sensitisation, so as to rid the country of terrorism and other violent crimes.
In his remarks, the president of CAN, Arch-Bishop Okoh, hailed the efforts of the Federal Government over the years, through the NCTC in preventing and countering terrorism and violent extremism in Nigeria.
Okoh urged all Nigerians to see the current situation in the country as an opportunity to bounce back rather than lamenting.
He said the visit of his team had added to their knowledge of the efforts of the government in addressing the security situation of the country and called for regular workshops to build the capacity of Church leaders in Nigeria to touch the security of the nation.
“CAN was not only formed to defend the Christian faith but also to work for the wellbeing of all Nigerians. We believe in Nigeria, we believe in one Nigeria,” he said.
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