Nigeria's Counter-Terrorism Strategy Emphasizes Inclusive and Community-Driven Approaches

Strategic Insights -

The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has reaffirmed the government's commitment to promoting inclusive and community-driven security responses as part of Nigeria's counter-terrorism strategy. Speaking on the launch of the Community Violence Reduction Programme, she highlighted the importance of integrating gender perspectives into national security. The programme, led by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, aims to ensure that security strategies are inclusive and effective by working with government agencies, civil society, and development partners. The Minister emphasized that peacebuilding must be inclusive and community-led, and that the family plays a crucial role as the first line of defence against extremism.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Community Violence Reduction Programme aims to integrate gender perspectives into national security, enhancing the effectiveness of counter-terrorism efforts and fostering trust between security agencies and communities.
  • The programme ensures that women, men, girls, and boys are equally engaged in prevention, response, and recovery efforts, as mandated by the country's third National Action Plan.
  • The Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, through the SSRG, provides a multi-sectoral platform for government agencies, civil society, and development partners to coordinate security strategies.
  • The government prioritizes the rehabilitation and reintegration of victims of terrorism through psychosocial support, livelihood empowerment, and community reintegration pathways under the Renewed Hope Social Impact Intervention Programmes.
  • The country's approach to counter-terrorism is anchored within the framework of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325.
  • The third National Action Plan provides a roadmap to ensure women's full participation in peace and security processes.
  • The Minister calls for stronger partnerships across sectors, urging government, security agencies, civil society, community leaders, and families to work together to break the cycle of violence, heal affected communities, and secure a safer future.
  • The Minister highlights the importance of equipping families with the right values, resources, and support systems to address vulnerabilities early and build a culture of peace and tolerance from the ground up.

Statistics:

  • Nigeria's counter-terrorism strategy aims to engage women, men, girls, and boys equally in prevention, response, and recovery efforts.
  • The Community Violence Reduction Programme works with government agencies, civil society, and development partners to ensure inclusive and effective security strategies.
  • The programme aims to restore dignity and opportunity through rehabilitation and reintegration of victims of terrorism under the Renewed Hope Social Impact Intervention Programmes.
  • The third National Action Plan provides a roadmap for women's full participation in peace and security processes.

Sources:

  • "VON" (August 16, 2025), "Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Community-Driven Security Responses in Counter-Terrorism Strategy".