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President Tinubu’s visit to the National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC) in Abuja marks a significant step in his commitment to enhancing national security and combating terrorism in Nigeria.
The President who was received by Retired Major Gen Babagana Monguno, the National Security Adviser (NSA), during his visit to the NCTC facility called for Intelligence sharing to Combat Terrorism.
The NCTC, which was commissioned by former President Muhammadu Buhari, plays a vital role in coordinating national security efforts and countering terrorism across the country.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu tasked security and intelligence agencies in the country on the importance of sharing information and intelligence among themselves, saying hoarding such resources could be counterproductive in the fight against terrorism.
The President spoke after undertaking a tour of the new Office of National Security Adviser and facilities at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), in Abuja.
While noting the efforts demonstrated in countering terrorism and the state-of-the-art facilities at the two facilities, President Tinubu highlighted the importance of backing such efforts with knowledge.
He said his administration had recognised that in order to achieve economic revival, prosperity, and development, security should be of optimum priority.
"It is a great joy to see that we are getting proactive resources to prepare ourselves.
"Terrorism is not unique to Nigeria alone. It is across the world and we have to fight it. We have to eliminate it completely.
"If we as Nigerians are looking for economic revival, prosperity and development, then we have to give priority to security.
"What I have seen here is a demonstration of intelligence efforts to counter-terrorism. This must be backed by knowledge.
"Counter terrorism that is not backed by knowledge and intelligence is not going to be of any service to any nation. We are going to work on that together.
"The effort of the entire armed forces of this country must be put together in a way that there will be one single focus on securing the country.
"You can’t have disharmony in an orchestra. We must focus on one tunnel; coordinate, share information, share intelligence and work harder.
"You cannot hoard information. You cannot hoard intelligence. I am glad that Nigeria is on the path to succeed. We will, I assure you.
"We will make it a priority and that is why I am here this morning."
President Tinubu, who described the tour of facilities at the new ONSA building as very important, expressed his willingness to do whatever necessary to support the nation's security architecture.
In his remarks, the NSA, Major-General Babagana Monguno (Rtd), thanked the President for making the visit his first engagement outside the Villa, saying that "it reinforces his commitment, dedication and inflexible rigidity to ensuring that the security misfortunes of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and by extension the sub-region are overcome within the shortest possible time."
Monguno pledged the total commitment and dedication of ONSA to ensuring that President Tinubu realizes the promises he made to the Nigerian people on security.
The President’s presence at the NCTC demonstrates his dedication to ensuring a terrorist-free Nigeria. Gen. Babagana Mungono emphasized that President Tinubu’s visit not only offers reassurance and support to the agencies operating under the NCTC but also showcases the President’s trust in their capabilities to contribute to the eradication of terrorism in the nation.
During the visit, Gen. Babagana guided President Tinubu through the facility, providing insights into its operations and highlighting the crucial role played by the various agencies under the NCTC.
As a gesture of appreciation and commemoration, Gen. Babagana presented a memento on behalf of the NSA’s office to President Tinubu, symbolizing the collaborative efforts in the pursuit of national security.
President Tinubu’s visit to the National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC) was not only a gesture of support but also an opportunity to reinforce the importance of intelligence sharing among security and intelligence agencies in the fight against terrorism. During his interaction with the NCTC and security personnel, President Tinubu stressed the significance of exchanging information and intelligence to effectively address the threat of terrorism in Nigeria.
Acknowledging the critical role played by security and intelligence agencies in maintaining national security, President Tinubu assured them of his unwavering support in their endeavors. The President encouraged the agencies to collaborate closely, share valuable intelligence, and leverage their expertise to develop comprehensive strategies to combat terrorism. By fostering a culture of collaboration and information sharing, President Tinubu aims to enhance the collective efforts in eliminating the scourge of terrorism from the country.