Report by AMINU DALHATU; Editing by BASIRAT MEMUDU
The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) has commended the Zamfara State Government for embracing its initiatives and demonstrating a strong commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the state’s citizens.
According to a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris said a high-level delegation from the NCTC paid a courtesy visit to Governor Dauda Lawal at the Council Chamber of the Government House in Gusau.
During the visit, Governor Dauda Lawal expressed appreciation to the Centre for its support and for taking the time to assess the state government’s efforts in addressing insecurity.
The Governor noted that tackling insecurity in Zamfara is crucial to addressing the broader security challenges facing northern Nigeria.
“If Zamfara is effectively handled in terms of security, I believe we would have solved 80 percent of the challenges in the North.
“From the initiatives I’ve seen so far, we have what it takes to overcome these challenges through continuous consultation and collaboration between the Zamfara State Government and the Office of the National Security Adviser. This is commendable.”
Governor Lawal also welcomed the news that the European Union will provide funds to support security initiatives, pledging Zamfara’s readiness to provide the required counterpart funding.
“Even if you are ready tomorrow, we are ready. Our doors are open”.
Dr Lawal emphasized that, anything that will bring positive change to Zamfara is welcome, “We also need a timeline for your activities so we can monitor progress effectively. I will assign a team to work closely with the Counter Terrorism Centre.”
Earlier, Ambassador Mairo Musa Abbas, Head of Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE), stated that the team was in Zamfara on behalf of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the National Counter Terrorism Coordinator, Major-General Adamu Garba Laka, as part of their ongoing nationwide strategic advocacy engagement.
“We want to thank you once again for your warm hospitality and for the leadership you have demonstrated,” she said. “We look forward to collaborating with your government to ensure Zamfara becomes a beacon of hope in the fight against banditry”.
The NCTC, which provides strategic leadership and guidance to the Armed Forces, security, law enforcement, and intelligence agencies, operates in alignment with the mandate of the National Security Adviser.
