Nigerian Security Agencies are sounding the alarm as terrorist groups continue to adapt to emerging technologies and exploit socio-political vulnerabilities. The National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC) has begun critically reviewing the country’s counterterrorism framework to ensure its continued effectiveness in these advanced threats. The review process, initiated during a meeting in Abuja, comes amid growing concerns over how terrorist organisations are refining their strategies. With encrypted messaging, drone surveillance, and Social Media recruitment becoming key tools in their arms, authorities acknowledge the need for a more proactive approach to countering terrorism across the country.
The current National Counter Terrorism Strategy (NACTEST), first developed in 2014 and revised in 2016, is undergoing another overhaul to reflect the realities of modern Security challenges. Officials say that as non-state actors refine their tactics, Nigeria’s response must evolve to match these threats’ sophistication. Authorities note that the emergence of groups like Lakurawa in the northwest further underscores the necessity of this revision. The insurgents are leveraging technology, economic hardships, and weak law enforcement in remote areas to expand their influence.
Persistent violence despite declining terrorism-related deaths.
As part of the new strategy, government agencies involved in counterterrorism efforts will have their roles reassessed and redefined. For over a decade, Nigeria has grappled with terrorist insurgencies, particularly from Boko Haram and its splinter group, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Since 2009, an estimated 35,000 people have lost their lives, while over two million have been displaced. Although official figures suggest a decline in the number of terrorism-related fatalities in recent years, Insecurity remains a significant challenge.
Attacks persist, fueled by underlying factors such as widespread poverty, political discontent, and governance lapses. The government’s attempts to restore stability have faced significant hurdles as terror networks grow in advance and global connectivity. Experts warn that the country’s terror groups are becoming increasingly embedded in global terrorist networks. These links, analysts say, have enabled them to adopt advanced tactics, making them more formidable. Security analyst Chidi Omeje emphasises that the evolution of these groups is not surprising, as their foreign connections expose them to more sophisticated operational methods. He argues that Nigeria’s strategy measures must be equally dynamic and capable of neutralising emerging threats in real time.
Calls for investigation into terror financing and external support.
Beyond strategic reviews and policy adjustments, analysts stress the importance of uncovering the financial backers of terrorist organisations. Ebenezer Oyetakin, a security expert, asserts that without addressing the financial underpinnings of terrorism, policy adjustments alone will yield limited results. He notes the striking operational similarities between al-Qaida, ISIS, and local insurgent groups like Boko Haram. According to him, these similarities point to external influences and funding channels that sustain their operations. He argues that identifying and dismantling these networks should be a top priority for security agencies.
Despite intensified security measures, recent incidents underscore the persistent threat posed by terrorist groups in Nigeria. On February 17, 2025, Afenifere Youth Leader Prince Eniola Ojajuni was kidnapped while traveling to Abuja, raising fresh concerns about abductions linked to terror groups. In June 2023, ISWAP orchestrated an improvised explosive device (IED) attack in Nasarawa State, marking another deadly assault on Nigerian soil. Similarly, in April 2023, the group targeted civilians in Jigawa State, while February of the same year saw the bombing of a local government office in Kogi State.
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These recent incidents mirror a broader pattern of sustained attacks over the past few years. In 2022, ISWAP claimed responsibility for multiple strikes against security personnel in the Ondo and Edo states. The group also masterminded the infamous Kuje Prison break in the Federal Capital Territory, facilitating the escape of numerous inmates whose identities remain undisclosed. Other attacks in Niger State, located just 30 kilometers from the Federal Capital Territory, further illustrate the proximity of these threats to the nation seat of government. The persistence of these attacks raises critical questions about the effectiveness of existing security frameworks and the need for a more robust response.