By Bavoriat Clara
The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) has urged media organisations to exercise responsibility in their reportage, 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.
The clarification was contained in a statement issued by the Head of Strategic Communications, NCTC, Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Abu I. Michael, in response to recent reports concerning security operations, particularly in forested areas of Kwara State.
According to the statement, pursuant to Part III, Sections 4, 5 and 6 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022, the NCTC continues to coordinate and support law enforcement, security and intelligence agencies in countering all forms of terrorism across Nigeria.
The Centre explained that in line with the National Counter Terrorism Strategy (NACTEST), Nigeria’s kinetic approach includes the deployment of hybrid forces, which combine regular security personnel with trained irregular auxiliaries such as hunters and vigilante elements, especially in difficult terrains like forests.
It noted that this approach was previously adopted in the North East through the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), where trained civilian volunteers supported the Armed Forces in operations against Boko Haram. The same strategy, the NCTC said, is currently being applied in parts of the North West and North Central regions to degrade the capabilities of bandit, criminal and terrorist groups, with recorded operational successes.
Addressing reports on Kwara State, the NCTC stated that the situation is not different from other areas where hybrid operations are ongoing, but stressed that some media accounts were inaccurate. It explained that limited public information on such operations is due to their sensitive nature, as details are restricted to avoid 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,” the statement said, adding that claims that the Office of the National Security Adviser supplied arms to any socio-cultural organisation are false and should be disregarded.
The Centre further clarified that all hybrid personnel are recruited directly by authorised security and intelligence agencies after due diligence, and that all operations are conducted in line with the law and established standard operating procedures.
The NCTC advised the public to disregard unverified reports that misrepresent the conduct of counter-terrorism operations, while reiterating its call on the media to uphold professional standards in reporting security matters.
It reaffirmed its commitment to an open-door policy aimed at deepening stakeholder understanding of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts.
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