Adamu Laka officially assumed the position of Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) on Thursday, at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.
In March, President Bola Tinubu appointed Major General Laka to serve as the center’s coordinator succeeding Yaminu Musa, who had led the organization since 2016.
Addressing attendees at the handover ceremony, Laka highlighted the importance of unwavering dedication from all center staff members. He stated, “I expect us all to leave behind any personal agendas and unite in working for the betterment of Nigeria.”
“With Nigeria and the global community facing the looming threat of terrorism, we must come together to confront it head-on while we still have the opportunity,” he continued. We cannot delay seeking assistance from those in positions of power until we return to our home towns or villages.” Now is the time for collective action to address this issue, ensuring a peaceful retirement for all of us from our respective roles and ministries.`
Laka concluded by asserting his expectation of nothing less than a full commitment from his team, emphasizing, “I anticipate nothing short of 100 percent dedication.”
In his farewell remarks, Yaminu Musa, the outgoing coordinator and pioneer of the agency, reflected on his tenure, highlighting the strategic guidance provided to the armed forces on counter-terrorism matters.
He commented, “This accomplishment has strengthened the center’s vision to become a pinnacle of excellence for counter-terrorism endeavors in Nigeria. Our goal is to mobilize a robust response to combat terrorism and violent extremism through coordinated actions, driven by insights gained from research and innovation.”
Musa’s reflections underscored the center’s commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s security landscape and combating the pervasive threat of terrorism.
The statement accentuated the President. Tinubu’s expectation is that General Laka will utilize his extensive experience in this crucial role to address security threats effectively by engaging in preemptive, proactive, and diligent counter-terrorism coordination.