The National Counter Terrorism Centre, NCTC, under the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA, has denied claims that it supplied ammunition to any socio-cultural organisation, describing the reports as false and misleading.
In a statement issued by the Head of Strategic Communications at the NCTC, Abu Michael, the Centre said the clarification became necessary to address inaccurate reports surrounding ongoing counter-terrorism operations, particularly in forested areas of Kwara State.
The statement explained that Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts, guided by the National Counter Terrorism Strategy, NACTEST, adopt a kinetic approach that includes the deployment of hybrid forces. This involves coordinated operations by regular security forces and trained irregular auxiliaries such as hunters and vigilante elements, especially in difficult terrains like forests.
According to the NCTC, this approach was previously applied in the North East through the Civilian Joint Task Force, CJTF, where trained civilian volunteers worked alongside the Armed Forces in operations against Boko Haram.
The same hybrid strategy is currently being deployed in parts of the North West and North Central regions to degrade the operational capacity of bandit, criminal and terrorist groups, with recorded operational successes.
The Centre stressed that all hybrid personnel are recruited directly by authorised security and intelligence agencies following due diligence, and that all operations are conducted strictly in line with the law and established standard operating procedures.
Abu Michael urged media organisations and practitioners to exercise responsibility in their reporting, protect sensitive security information and seek clarification from designated government spokespersons to avoid the spread of false or distorted information.
He assured the public that the security situation in Kwara State is being appropriately managed, noting that limited public disclosure is due to the sensitive nature of ongoing operations and the need to safeguard personnel and auxiliary forces.
The statement further noted that under Part Three, Sections Four, Five and Six of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022, the National Counter Terrorism Centre, operating under the Office of the National Security Adviser, continues to coordinate and support law enforcement, security and intelligence agencies in countering terrorism across the country.
(Editor: Ada Ononye)
