The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), clarified the nature of its counter- terrorism activities ongoing in Kwara State, declaring that national interest is key to its operations.
The office stated in a statement on Wednesday that the government was never in the habit of conducting kinetic operations in collaboration with any socio-cultural organisation.
“Claims suggesting that the Office of the National Security Adviser has armed, sponsored, or formally partnered with such groups are inaccurate and should be disregarded,” the statement said.
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The ONSA statement, made public on Wednesday and signed by Abu I. Micheal, Head, Strategic Communications of the NCTC, stated that the Federal Government was aware of reports circulating on some online platforms regarding the nature of the ongoing counter-terrorism operations in parts of Kwara State.
It stated that given the nature of the claims, it was important to place the facts on record, adding that the ONSA through the NCTC is legally mandated by Part III, Sections 4, 5, and 6 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, to coordinate and support all law-enforcement, security, and intelligence agencies in countering terrorism in Nigeria.
The statement reads: “This statutory framework ensures a unified, lawful, and nationally authorised approach to counter-terrorism operations across the country.
“In line with the National Counter Terrorism Strategy (NACTEST), Nigeria’s kinetic counter-terrorism operations adopt a hybrid operational model where necessary.
“This involves the coordinated deployment of regular security forces alongside carefully vetted and trained auxiliary personnel, deployed strictly under the authority and supervision of recognised security and intelligence agencies. Such deployments are designed to deny criminal and terrorist groups access to difficult terrains, including forested areas, and to disrupt their operational capabilities.
“This operational model is neither new nor improvised. It has previously been applied in parts of the North-East, North-West, and North-Central, where it has contributed to measurable improvements in security outcomes.
“Operations currently underway in Kwara State are conducted strictly within this same lawful and nationally approved framework.”
It added that limited public disclosure around the operations was deliberate and necessary, “given the sensitive nature of counter-terrorism activities and the imperative to protect personnel, communities, and operational effectiveness.”
The statement further read:
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Federal Government is not conducting kinetic operations in collaboration with any socio-cultural organisation. Claims suggesting that the Office of the National Security Adviser has armed, sponsored, or formally partnered with such groups are inaccurate and should be disregarded.
“All auxiliary personnel involved in counter-terrorism operations are recruited, trained, and deployed by authorised security and intelligence agencies in accordance with due process. Command, control, and accountability remain firmly with the Nigerian state, and all activities are carried out in compliance with the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, NACTEST, and other applicable laws and procedures.
“The Federal Government urges the public to rely on verified information and encourages media organisations to report responsibly, avoid the disclosure of sensitive security details, and seek clarification through official channels when in doubt.
“The National Counter Terrorism Centre remains focused on its core mandate: safeguarding lives and strengthening national security through lawful, professional, and coordinated action.”
Ends.
