The African Union (AU) and the Federal Government of Nigeria have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening cooperation in the fight against terrorism across the African continent.
The agreement was signed in Abuja by Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, and Major-General Adamu Laka, National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC).
Speaking at the event, Adeoye praised Nigeria for its leadership role in promoting regional stability and security. He highlighted the country’s advanced counterterrorism infrastructure, describing Nigeria as “a key anchor state in the fight against terrorism”.
On his part, Laka said the MoU reflects Nigeria’s commitment to the Abuja Process Declaration of April 2024, emphasizing that it will help harmonize strategies, strengthen regional capacities, and deepen collaboration to ensure peace and security across Africa.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the agreement will be implemented through joint efforts between the AU Counterterrorism Centre (AUCTC) and Nigeria’s NCTC.
Key areas of collaboration include:
Real-time intelligence sharing
Secondment of counterterrorism experts
Joint research initiatives
Support for victims of terrorism
Deradicalization and reintegration programs
The MoU will also reinforce existing AU-backed security initiatives such as the Nouakchott Process, the Accra Initiative, the UFL-Sahel Joint Force, and the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).
A Joint Working Group will be established to oversee and coordinate the implementation of the agreement.
