Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The National Counter Terrorism Centre has urged the media to exercise responsibility and protect sensitive security information. The clarification was necessitated by recent media reports published in some online platforms about ongoing counter-terrorism operations in parts of the country, particularly in forested areas of Kwara State.
This was contained in a statement signed by Abu I. Michael, Head, Strategic Communications, National Counter Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser.
The statement reads: “Pursuant to Part III, Sections 4, 5, and 6 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022, the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), continues to coordinate and support law enforcement, security, and intelligence agencies in countering all forms of terrorism in Nigeria.
In line with the National Counter Terrorism Strategy (NACTEST), Nigeria’s kinetic approach includes the deployment of hybrid forces. This involves the coordinated use of regular security forces and trained irregular auxiliaries, such as hunters and vigilante elements, to operate in difficult terrains, including forest areas.
“This approach previously guided the engagement of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in the North East. The CJTF comprised trained civilian volunteers who worked alongside the Armed Forces in operations against Boko Haram.
“The same strategy currently informs hybrid deployments in parts of the North West and North Central. These operations are aimed at degrading the capabilities of bandit, criminal, and terrorist groups. This approach has yielded several successful outcomes.
“The situation in Kwara State is not different. However, media reports on the matter are inaccurate. The limited public information is due to the sensitive nature of these operations. Details are restricted to prevent operational compromise and to protect the safety of personnel and auxiliary forces.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Federal Government and its agencies are not conducting kinetic operations with any socio-cultural groups.
Claims that the Office of the National Security Adviser has provided arms to any socio-cultural organisation are false and should be disregarded.
All hybrid personnel are recruited directly by authorised security and intelligence agencies following due diligence. All operations are conducted in accordance with the law and established standard operating procedures.
“The public is therefore advised to disregard unverified reports that misrepresent the conduct of these operations. The media is also urged to exercise responsibility, protect sensitive security information, and seek clarification through designated official spokespersons.
“The National Counter Terrorism Centre remains committed to an open-door policy to deepen stakeholder understanding of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts,” it also added.
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