The African Union (AU) Commission and Nigeria’s National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost collaboration against terrorism and violent extremism across Africa.

This is contained in a statement by Mr Paschal Chem-Langhee, Communication Coordinator, PAPS, African Union Commission and made available to newsmen in Abuja.

The MoU was endorsed by Amb. Bankole Adeoye, AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, and Maj.-Gen. Adamu Garba Laka, National Coordinator of the NCTC.

In his remarks, Adeoye commended Nigeria’s leadership role in West Africa and the Sahel.

He noted that the country’s advanced facilities and expertise at the NCTC had “greatly contributed to regional and continental security.

“The AU is proud to formalise this partnership with Nigeria, a key anchor state in the fight against terrorism.

“The NCTC’s leadership and state-of-the-art technology have set a benchmark for counterterrorism efforts in Africa,” he said.

On his part, Laka said the MoU reflected Nigeria’s commitment to advancing the Abuja Process Declaration of April 2024 and deepening regional collaboration.

According to him, by working with the African Union, we intend to strengthen regional capacities, harmonise strategies and demonstrate Nigeria’s resolve in ensuring peace and security across the continent,” he said.

9news Nigeria reports that the MoU will be jointly implemented by the AU Counterterrorism Centre (AUCTC) and Nigeria’s NCTC.

“Areas of cooperation include real-time intelligence sharing, secondment of experts, joint research, support for victims of terrorism, and programmes on deradicalisation and reintegration.

“It will also reinforce AU-backed initiatives such as the Nouakchott Process, the Accra Initiative, the UFL-Sahel Joint Force, and the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).

“A Joint Working Group will monitor implementation,” it added.