Historic Collaboration: NCTC and NDC Sign Landmark MOU in Abuja
The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) and the National Defence College (NDC) officially entered into a strategic partnership today, April 22, 2026, through the signing of a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
The ceremony, held at the NCTC office within the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in Abuja, marks a significant step forward in Nigeria’s unified approach to national security.
The National Coordinator of the NCTC, Major General Adamu Garba Laka, expressed immense satisfaction with the agreement, noting that the NDC’s reputation as the nation’s highest military educational institution is vital for addressing current security challenges. The partnership will focus on several critical pillars:
- Training & Capacity Building. Leveraging the NDC’s history of producing elite military and paramilitary professionals.
- Policy Development. Collaborative research to shape national security strategies.
- Expert Exchange. Sharing high-level personnel to bridge the gap between theory and practice.
- Kinetic & Non-Kinetic Strategies. Combining physical security measures with ideological and social interventions.
Dr Adamu Abdullahi of the National Defence College highlighted that this formalization was a long time coming, noting a cordial relationship that dates back to August 2024. He stated that the current MOU consists of 16 specific articles designed to govern every facet of the inter-agency relationship, ensuring seamless cooperation and legal clarity.
The event was attended by high-ranking officials from both institutions, reinforcing the importance of the collaboration.
In his remarks, the Commandant, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Ahmed, extended his gratitude to the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the NCTC for their unwavering support of the College. He emphasized that the exchange of knowledge is the best weapon against contemporary threats.
The ceremony concluded with a formal tour of the NCTC’s state-of-the-art facilities, official group photography to document the historic milestone and exchange of souvenirs to serve as memorabilia.
“This partnership with the apex military training institution in the land will definitely assist in achieving our goal of a safer Nigeria.” Major General Adamu Garba Laka.
