President Bola Tinubu’s government has unveiled Nigeria’s new strategic security framework, the Nigeria Counter-Terrorism Strategic Plan (2025-2030).

Announced on Monday, November 24, by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the plan is designed to overhaul the country’s counter-terrorism efforts amid surging insecurity across states.

Developed by the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the plan is expected to guide Nigeria’s counter-terrorism operations for the next five years.

Speaking at the official presentation in Abuja, Akpabio said the document represents a renewed national commitment to protecting citizens and securing the country for future generations.

“It is a moment when Nigeria again reaffirms that our people deserve to live without fear, that our children deserve a future of peace, and that our nation must be secured to prosper,” he said.

The Senate President said the blueprint is built on transforming Nigeria’s security institutions, modernising security systems, and building national resilience across all levels of society.

“For us, the question is clear: How do we secure our nation, safeguard our people and set Nigeria irreversibly on the path of peace, growth and stability? The Strategic Plan 2025–2030 answers this question with vision, discipline and ambition,” he said.

He explained that the plan expands partnerships across government agencies, the private sector, civil society groups, and the international community.

Naijaonpoint reports that Nigeria has battled violent insecurity for more than a decade, but recent incidents have heightened anxiety and renewed calls for action.

Recently, terrorists stormed Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, killing the vice principal and abducting 25 schoolgirls after breaking into the dormitory. A local security guard, Ali Maga, was also injured.

On 19 November, another group of terrorists also invaded Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Igan, in Eruku, Kwara State, killing three worshippers and abducting 38 others.

All 38 abductees were freed on Sunday.

Last Friday, heavily armed men raided St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, in Agwara LGA, kidnapping 303 pupils, students, and staff, sparking national outrage. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has confirmed that 50 abductees escaped from captivity.

Naijaonpoint reports that these attacks form part of a broader escalation in banditry and terrorism that has stretched security agencies thin.

Akpabio described insecurity as a major threat to Nigeria’s social and economic stability. “Investors withdraw, schools close, farmers abandon their fields, and hope retreats from the hearts of our young people,” the Senate President said.

He stressed that the worsening security situation was a key motivation behind the development of the new strategic plan.

The Senate President said the 10th National Assembly has taken deliberate steps to strengthen Nigeria’s security through legislation.

“We have enacted far-reaching laws in defence, policing, intelligence coordination, cybersecurity and counter-terrorism.
We have strengthened agency mandates, promoted inter-agency synergy and championed better welfare for those who risk their lives daily,” he noted.

He said the legislature remains committed to providing the legal, oversight and budgetary support required to stabilise the country.

Akpabio, however, warned that laws alone are insufficient to combat terrorism.

“We must invest in people, technology, training and strategic partnerships. We must replace short-term firefighting with long-term planning,” he said.

He added that the success of the new plan depends on a Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society approach, which involves citizens, communities, traditional institutions, the private sector and Nigeria’s international allies.

National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, represented by the NCTC Coordinator, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, said the plan was developed after extensive research and consultation.

Stakeholders involved include ministries and government departments, security agencies, academics and researchers, civil society organisations and international partners.

Laka said the vision behind the plan is to position Nigeria’s Counter-Terrorism Centre as a regional hub for counter-terrorism and violent extremism efforts in West Africa and the Sahel.

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