Nigeria, African Union Sign MoU on Intelligence Sharing, Anti-Terror Cooperation

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.

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.