Security experts and senior officials from across West Africa have gathered in Abuja for a two-day regional dialogue aimed at strengthening capacity and promoting efficiency in the implementation of the Accra Initiative.
The event, hosted at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), brings together key security stakeholders, including officials from the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) in Ghana.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the National Coordinator of NCTC, Major General Adamu Laka, representing the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, welcomed participants and emphasised the need for greater collaboration in tackling terrorism and transnational organised crime in West Africa.
The Accra Initiative, formalised in 2017, is a cooperative security mechanism involving seven West African nations, with Nigeria participating as an observer. It focuses on intelligence sharing, joint military operations, and capacity building to prevent the spillover of terrorism from the Sahel region into coastal West African states.
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“The increasing threats and attacks by extremist groups across the northern borders of West African nations highlight the urgent need for stronger security mechanisms,” the National Coordinator noted.
“The operational successes of these terrorist groups have emboldened them to expand southward, posing a significant risk to countries like Benin,” he added.
With ungoverned and porous borders exacerbating the challenges of terrorism and organised crime, the dialogue aims to foster greater synergy among West African nations. Participants will deliberate on common security challenges and identify gaps in the implementation of the Accra Initiative.
The discussions are expected to enhance regional collaboration, improve coordination, and boost operational capacity in counterterrorism efforts.
In his address, the Commandant of KAIPTC welcomed delegates and expressed gratitude to the Government of Japan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for their invaluable support in making the event possible.
He also commended the National Counter Terrorism Centre for its collaboration in organising the seminar.
