Counter Terrorism Centred Denies Claims NSA Arms Ethnic Groups, Warns Against Misreporting Counter-Terrorism Operations

The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), has firmly denied allegations that the Federal Government or the National Security Adviser provided arms to any socio-cultural organisation, describing such claims as false, unfounded, and misleading.

In a statement issued by the Head of Strategic Communications, Abu I. Michael, the Centre said the clarification became necessary following reports by some online platforms concerning ongoing counter-terrorism operations, particularly in forested areas of Kwara State.

The NCTC stressed that, “for the avoidance of doubt,” neither the Federal Government nor its agencies are conducting kinetic operations in collaboration with socio-cultural groups, nor has the Office of the National Security Adviser armed any such organisation.

While reaffirming its commitment to transparency, the Centre cautioned that inaccurate and unverified media reports on security matters could compromise sensitive operations and endanger both security personnel and civilians.

The statement explained that the NCTC, in line with the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022, continues to coordinate and support law enforcement, security, and intelligence agencies in addressing all forms of terrorism across the country. These efforts, it noted, are guided by Nigeria’s National Counter Terrorism Strategy (NACTEST).

According to the Centre, Nigeria’s counter-terrorism framework includes the deployment of hybrid operational models that combine regular security forces with trained auxiliary personnel such as hunters and vigilantes, particularly in difficult terrains. It clarified that these auxiliary elements are not socio-cultural groups, but individuals recruited, vetted, and deployed strictly by authorised security and intelligence agencies following due diligence.

The NCTC noted that the hybrid approach is not new, recalling its application in the North East, where trained civilian volunteers under the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) supported military operations against Boko Haram. It added that similar strategies are currently being employed 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 the specific situation in Kwara State, the Centre described recent media reports as inaccurate and misleading. It explained that the limited public information on the operation was deliberate, owing to the sensitive nature of counter-terrorism activities and the need to prevent operational compromise while ensuring the safety of both security personnel and auxiliary forces.

The NCTC urged the public to disregard reports that misrepresent the nature and conduct of counter-terrorism operations, and called on media organisations to exercise restraint, protect sensitive security information, and seek clarification through designated official spokespersons.

It reaffirmed its commitment to an open-door policy aimed at strengthening public understanding of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts, while underscoring the importance of responsible reporting in support of national security objectives.