NCTC Debunks Claims of Arming Socio-Cultural Groups, Urges Media Restraint on Counter-Terrorism Operations
The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), has called on the media to exercise greater responsibility in reporting security matters, warning that inaccurate and unverified reports could compromise ongoing counter-terrorism operations.
In a statement issued by the Head of Strategic Communications, Abu I. Michael, the NCTC said recent reports by some online platforms necessitated clarification on counter-terrorism activities currently being conducted in parts of the country, particularly in forested areas of Kwara State.
The Centre reaffirmed that, in line with the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022, it continues to coordinate and support law enforcement, security and intelligence agencies in tackling all forms of terrorism nationwide. It explained that Nigeria’s counter-terrorism framework, guided by the National Counter Terrorism Strategy (NACTEST), includes the deployment of hybrid forces combining regular security personnel with trained auxiliary elements such as hunters and vigilantes, especially in difficult terrains.
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According to the NCTC, this hybrid approach is not new, noting its previous application in the North East where trained civilian volunteers under the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) supported military operations against Boko Haram. The same strategy, it added, is currently being employed in parts of the North West and North Central to degrade the capabilities of bandit, criminal and terrorist groups, with recorded operational successes.
Addressing the situation in Kwara State, the Centre described media reports on the operations as inaccurate and misleading. It explained that limited public information on the exercise was deliberate due to the sensitive nature of the operations, aimed at preventing operational compromise and ensuring the safety of both security 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,” the statement said. It also dismissed claims that the Office of the National Security Adviser had provided arms to any socio-cultural organisation, describing such assertions as false and unfounded.
The NCTC clarified that all auxiliary personnel involved in hybrid operations are recruited directly by authorised security and intelligence agencies following due diligence, and that all operations are conducted in strict adherence to the law and established standard operating procedures.
The Centre urged the public to disregard unverified reports that misrepresent the conduct of counter-terrorism operations, while calling on media organisations to protect sensitive security information and seek clarification through designated official spokespersons.
It reiterated its commitment to an open-door policy aimed at deepening stakeholder understanding of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts.