On 27 October 2026, the African Union officially accredited Nigeria’s National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), operating under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), as a Regional Centre of Excellence in Counter‑Terrorism for West Africa and the Sahel, confirming President Bola Tinubu’s earlier vision for the agency.
The accreditation was disclosed by Abu Michael, Head of Strategic Communication at the NCTC, and highlighted three key points: the centre now holds a three‑year renewable mandate; it will deliver specialised training, joint threat analysis and technical assistance to AU member states; and the decision was formally communicated through a Note Verbale from the AU Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security.
What does the accreditation entail?
The designation positions the NCTC to support West African and Sahelian nations with enhanced cooperation, capacity development, and the exchange of lessons learned. It expands the centre’s remit to include research, technical support, and coordinated operational responses to terrorism and violent extremism across the region.
How was the assessment carried out?
The process began with a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the AU and the NCTC in September 2025. A technical assessment mission visited Abuja in December 2025, producing an accreditation roadmap that outlined required institutional standards. Subsequent reforms strengthened governance, training curricula, analytical capabilities, and adherence to human rights and the rule of law.
What did Nigerian officials say?
Acting Director of the AU Counter Terrorism Centre, Dr Idriss Mounir Lallali, announced, “It is therefore my pleasure to announce that the African Union is accrediting the NCTC as an African Union Regional Centre of Excellence in Counter Terrorism.” National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, speaking through NCTC National Coordinator Major General Adamu Garba Laka, described the accreditation as “a recognition of Nigeria’s progress and a responsibility to contribute more substantially to Africa’s collective security,” praising President Tinubu’s leadership and the Renewed Hope Agenda.
What are the next steps?
The AU Note Verbale will detail the three‑year initial term, renewable upon review, and outline the regional responsibilities now assigned to the centre. The Nigerian government, through ONSA, pledged continued staffing, sustainable funding, institutional partnerships, and strict compliance with the accreditation standards to ensure the NCTC meets its expanded regional duties.