By ABAH SUNDAY, Abuja
Nigeria’s Coordinator, National Counter-Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser (NCTC-ONSA), Major General Adamu Garba Laka, has tasked stakeholders on committed collective action in order to have a successful fight against terrorism and organised crimes in the country.
This is coming as the federal government intensifies fight against insurgency, banditry, kidnapping among other equally prevalent criminal activities with a view to ending the menace and securing lasting peace for her citizenry.
General Laka says, “In Nigeria, as in many other nations around the globe, the fight against terrorism and organised crime presents multifaceted challenge that demands our unwavering dedication and collective action.”
He made the point in Abuja at the opening ceremony of a 2-day workshop and plenary meeting of the Global Counter Terrorism Forum (GCTF) Criminal Justice and Rule of Law (CJ-ROL) Working Group (WG) under its Co-Chairs, Nigeria and Italy, with the title, “Good Practices for the Protection of Witnesses and Criminal Justice Officials, according to statement signed by the head, Strategic Communication, NCTC-ONSA, Abu Michael.
The National Coordinator called on countries under the umbrella of the Global Counter Terrorism Forum (GCTF) to harness the power of collaboration and cooperation in advancing their shared goals of Justice, security and peace, noting the imperative of the protection of witnesses and criminal justice officials who play pivotal roles in the investigation, prosecution and adjudication of terrorism related cases.
According to him, “criminal justice officials, including prosecutors, judges, and law enforcement officers, face significant risks as they fulfil their duties in the pursuit of justice.
Recognising these challenges, he said, “It behoves on all to prioritise the development and implementation of effective strategies to safeguard witnesses and Justice Officials, thereby ensuring their safety, well-being, and continued participation in the criminal justice process.”
Laka disclosed that Nigeria has remained a co-chair of the GCTF CJ-ROL WG since 2017, adding that Nigeria co-chaired with Switzerland from 2017-2022 and currently with Italy from 2022-2024.
According to the general, the latest joint mandate between Nigeria and Italy has been extended from 2024-2026.
“The working group seeks to identify relevant civilian counter terrorism challenges and capacity gaps, consider activities to address the gaps, as well as to mobilise political will, financial resources and expertise, he stated.
Speaking in the same vein on the second day of the meeting, General Laka expressed delight over the useful interventions of the participants, noting that the contributions of the panelists have so far enriched the understanding of the importance of the protection of witnesses and justice officials.