The Office of the National Security Adviser-ONSA is committed to countering terrorism and violent extremism through community participation and engagement.
National Security Adviser, Babagana Munguno stated this at a one-day engagement session on “Community Participation in Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism” in Kaduna.
The session was at the instance of the United Nations Development Programme-UNDP in partnership with National Orientation Agency and Office of the National Security Adviser.
The National Security Adviser, Babagana Munguno who was represented by Barrister Zakari Mijinyawa said the aim of the session was to create awareness on the Policy Framework and National Action Plan for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism which was launched in 2017 by President Muhammadu Buhari.
He further explained that the reason for working closely with experts and relevant stakeholders was to open up the space for people centered and rule of law based counter terrorism policy and practices.
According to him, the session was also an avenue to hear the community angle about the menace and how best it could be tackled.
Representative of United Nations Development Programme-UNDP, Mathew Alao said UNDP would support federal government to eradicate Violent Extremism as some people were still in denial.
Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir Elrufai who was represented by the Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan urged community members and leaders to join the fight against Violent Extremism as it negates sustainable development.
In a remark, a woman right Advocate, Hajia Saudatu Mahdi stated that some punishment in the constitution needs upgrade.
Director General, National Orientation Agency, Garba Abari, said the engagement session would be a continuous exercise.
Participants were drawn from 6 northern States including FCT comprising of members of the security agencies, civil society organizations, NGOs, media, women societies, traditional and religious leaders.
Memudu Basirat