Nigeria’s National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC) has raised alarms about the growing sophistication of terrorist groups operating within the country. These groups are increasingly utilizing advanced technologies, including encrypted messaging apps, social media for recruitment, and drones to further their operations. In light of this, Nigerian authorities have initiated a review of the national counterterrorism strategy, first developed in 2014 and updated in 2016. The latest revision aims to address emerging threats and ensure that counterterrorism efforts remain effective.
The review follows a warning issued three months ago about the rise of a new terror group, Lakurawa, in Nigeria’s northwest region. The evolving landscape of terrorism in the country, fueled by political and economic grievances, calls for a comprehensive overhaul of strategies to curb these escalating threats. Authorities stress the importance of adapting to the changing nature of terrorism in order to safeguard national security.