…deepens strategic engagement on counterterrorism strategy implementation

By Gabriel Ewepu

ABUJA – AS insecurity remains a protracted challenge impeding development in Africa, the Africa Centre for Strategic Studies Nigeria Chapter has called for deeper and stronger inter-agency collaboration for Nigeria and the West African region.

The leadership of the ACSS Nigeria Chapter made the call at the recently concluded High-Level Workshop on Counterterrorism Strategy Implementation and Oversight in West Africa, organised by the Africa Centre for Strategic Studies, Washington DC in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

The ACSS Nigeria Chapter delegation, which prominently participated at the workshop, during the engagements emphasised “that the evolving nature of insecurity in Nigeria and the wider West African region requires stronger inter-agency collaboration, evidence-based policymaking, improved oversight systems, and sustained partnerships” between government institutions, civil society organisations, academia, and regional actors.

Nigeria’s delegation featured representatives from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the National Assembly, the Nigerian Governors Forum, civil society organisations and security policy institutions.

Among the delegates were Brigadier General Olutayo Muyiwa Adesuyi, Principal General Staff Officer from ONSA; Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army; Hon. Satomi Ahmad, Chairman of the House Committee on Defence; ACG David Idowu Ajelabi, Vice President of the ACSS Nigeria Chapter; and Suleiman A. Mande, Secretary General of the Chapter.

Others included Dr. Abdullateef O.T. Shittu, Director General of the Nigerian Governors Forum; Dr. Ibrahim Katsina, Head of Peace and Security Department of the Forum; Dr. Jerry Uhuo, Senior Adviser on Policy and Strategy to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, among others.

The participation of the ACSS Nigeria Chapter leadership further reinforced the growing strategic relevance of the Chapter as a platform for policy dialogue, professional collaboration, thought leadership, and actionable engagement on security governance, peacebuilding, democratic accountability, and national resilience.

The ACSS Nigeria Chapter highlighted the urgent need to move beyond theoretical conversations toward coordinated action capable of translating expertise into measurable national and regional impact. Discussions during the workshop underscored the importance of strengthening implementation frameworks for the National Counter Terrorism Strategy, improving institutional coordination, expanding community trust-building initiatives, and enhancing legislative and governance oversight mechanisms.

The workshop also created opportunities for deeper collaboration between the ACSS Nigeria Chapter and key institutions, including the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Nigerian Governors Forum, the National Assembly, civil society organisations, and regional security stakeholders. Participants acknowledged the critical role that the ACSS alumni network can play in bridging policy, strategy, governance, research, and operational implementation across sectors.

Commenting on the significance of the engagement, the leadership of the ACSS Nigeria Chapter noted that the workshop marked an important step toward positioning the Chapter as a formidable network of professionals and institutions committed to supporting national and regional peace, security, democratic governance, and sustainable development.

The Chapter reiterated its commitment to supporting strategic conversations and practical interventions that contribute to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture, advancing democratic accountability, and promoting collaborative solutions to the complex security challenges facing Africa.

The Africa Centre for Strategic Studies continues to serve as one of the foremost platforms for advancing strategic security studies, professional development, and policy engagement between African leaders and the United States in addressing peace and security challenges across the continent.