By Sumaila Ogbaje

The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) has stressed the importance of combating terrorism financing to effectively disrupt terrorist networks and tackle the menace of terrorism and violent extremism.

Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, National Coordinator of NCTC, made this statement while receiving Maj.-Gen. Mohammed Al-Moghedi, Secretary-General of the Islamic Counter Terrorism Centre (IMCTC), Saudi Arabia, in Abuja on Monday.

Laka emphasised that cutting off terrorism financing was crucial for countries to make headway in fighting terrorism.

“Terrorism affects everyone, regardless of tribe, religion, or race, so it’s imperative that we collectively combat this threat.

“The NCTC is keen to collaborate with IMCTC in intelligence sharing, training, and capacity building,” he said.

Laka highlighted Nigeria’s existing relationship with Saudi Arabia, including the Kingdom’s provision of training slots for military officers.

“Nigeria has secured more than 200 convictions of terrorists and implemented rehabilitation and reintegration programmes for those found innocent.

“The Office of National Security Adviser recently hosted a high-level African counterterrorism meeting focused on finding African solutions to African problems.”

In his remarks, the Secretary-General of IMCTC, Maj.-Gen. Mohammed Al-Moghedi, said the centre’s membership cut across every country that intended to fight terrorism.

Al-Moghedi lauded Nigeria’s establishment of NCTC and its efforts to combat terrorism and violent extremism.

He assured IMCTC’s readiness to partner with NCTC to fight terrorism in Nigeria and across Africa. (NAN)