Nigeria, African Union Sign MoU on Intelligence Sharing, Anti-Terror Cooperation
The African Union (AU) Commission and Nigeria’s National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism across Africa.
The agreement, endorsed in Abuja on Monday by Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, and Maj.-Gen. Adamu Garba Laka, National Coordinator of the NCTC, is expected to deepen regional security cooperation and enhance counterterrorism strategies.
AU Communications Coordinator, Mr Paschal Chem-Langhee, who confirmed the development in a statement, said the partnership reflects a growing consensus that terrorism in Africa requires cross-border solutions backed by intelligence sharing and joint operations.
Amb. Adeoye commended Nigeria’s leadership role in regional security, particularly in West Africa and the Sahel, praising the NCTC’s advanced facilities and expertise.
“The AU is proud to formalise this partnership with Nigeria, a key anchor state in the fight against terrorism. The NCTC’s leadership and state-of-the-art technology have set a benchmark for counterterrorism efforts in Africa,” he said.
On his part, Maj.-Gen. Laka said the MoU underscored Nigeria’s commitment to the Abuja Process Declaration of April 2024 and to building stronger partnerships across the continent.
“By working with the African Union, we intend to strengthen regional capacities, harmonise strategies, and demonstrate Nigeria’s resolve in ensuring peace and security across Africa,” he added.
READ ALSO Jilli Airstrike: Supporters Of Terrorists Will Be Treated As Bandits, Defence Minister Warns Defence Minister Christopher Musa has warned that supporters of terrorists would be treated as criminals. He said this on Monday as he reacted to the airstrike carried out by the Nigerian Air Force airstrike in Jilli, Borno State, over the weekend. Speaking after an expanded security meeting in Kaduna with the state governor and heads of security agencies, Musa said the operation sends a clear message to those collaborating with terrorist groups. He stressed that anyone found supporting insurgents would face the same consequences as the perpetrators. “A friend of a thief is a thief,” he said, warning civilians against associating with or providing any form of assistance to terrorists. Musa urged residents to steer clear of areas known to be used by insurgents, noting that proximity or collaboration could have grave consequences. The airstrike, carried out near the village of Jilli in Gubio Local Government Area, targeted what the military described as an ISWAP enclave and logistics hub. According to the Nigerian Air Force, the operation was intelligence-driven and aimed at neutralising terror elements and destroying their equipment. However, reports have emerged alleging that the strike may have affected a weekly market in the area, with civilians, including cross-border traders, reportedly among casualties. Musa, however, maintained that the strike should serve as a strong warning to those aiding insurgent activities, reaffirming the military’s resolve to intensify operations against terrorist networks. Air Component of Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, conducted a precision air strike on a known terrorist enclave and logistics hub located near the abandoned village of Jilli in Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State. Giving an update on the airstrike, the Nigerian Army in a post on its official X handle said, “The successful strike, executed on 11 April 2026, followed sustained intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions over the Bindul–Jilli axis, an area long identified as a major terrorist movement corridor and convergence point for Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists and their collaborators.”
Under the agreement, the AU Counterterrorism Centre (AUCTC) and the NCTC will jointly implement programmes covering real-time intelligence sharing, secondment of experts, joint research, and support for victims of terrorism. The partnership will also promote deradicalisation and reintegration initiatives across affected regions.
The MoU further aligns with AU-backed frameworks such as the Nouakchott Process, the Accra Initiative, the UFL-Sahel Joint Force, and the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), with a Joint Working Group established to monitor implementation.
