The African Union (AU) has formally accredited Nigeria’s National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), operating under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), as a Regional Centre of Excellence for West Africa and the Sahel. The designation, announced on 27 October 2026, fulfills President Bola Tinubu’s vision outlined at the High‑Level African Counter‑Terrorism Meeting in Abuja in April 2024, positioning the NCTC as a hub for intelligence sharing, operational coordination, specialised training and capacity building against terrorism and violent extremism.
AU grants accreditation to Nigeria’s NCTC
The accreditation follows a rigorous assessment conducted by the AU’s Counter‑Terrorism Centre (AUCTC). Acting Director Dr Idriss Mounir Lallali announced the decision at the conclusion of the African Lessons Learned Forum in Abuja, noting that the evaluation covered institutional capacity, governance, training programmes, analytical capabilities, coordination mechanisms and adherence to human rights and the rule of law. A Memorandum of Understanding between the AU and the NCTC was signed in September 2025, and a technical assessment mission in December 2025 produced an accreditation roadmap.
Regional responsibilities and mandate
With the accreditation, the NCTC receives an expanded regional mandate. It will provide specialised counter‑terrorism training, conduct joint threat analysis, carry out research, offer technical assistance, facilitate exchanges of lessons learned and deliver other forms of support to AU member states, especially those in West Africa and the Sahel. The arrangement is for an initial three‑year period, renewable, and will be formalised through a Note Verbale from the AU’s Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security.
Pathway to accreditation
Since the signing of the MoU, the NCTC has strengthened its governance structures, developed training curricula and operational procedures, improved analytical and coordination functions and reinforced its commitment to human rights and the rule of law. The successful completion of the AU’s requirements reflects the centre’s institutional development and the collaborative efforts of ONSA, NCTC leadership, staff and strategic partners.
Implications for Nigeria and African security
National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, represented by NCTC National Coordinator Major General Adamu Garba Laka, described the accreditation as both recognition of Nigeria’s progress and a responsibility to contribute more substantially to Africa’s collective security. The achievement advances the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and positions the NCTC to serve Nigeria, West Africa, the Sahel and the broader continent. The Federal Government and ONSA pledged continued support through appropriate staffing, sustainable resources, institutional partnerships and ongoing compliance with accreditation standards.