The Nigerian government has joined forces with both local and international partners in a groundbreaking initiative to combat violent extremism in its correctional facilities. This effort, aimed at enhancing internal security and supporting deradicalisation programs, seeks to reform the prison system and prevent facilities from becoming breeding grounds for extremist recruitment and coordination.
Major-General Adamu Laka, Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), announced the partnership during a workshop on “Countering Violent Extremism in Custodial Centres in Nigeria.” The workshop was held in collaboration with Canada and the Global Centre on Cooperative Security (GCCS).
Laka emphasized the dual role of custodial centres in national security: while they can contribute to rehabilitation, they also pose a risk of radicalisation if not properly managed. “Through capacity building, intelligence sharing, and community engagement, we aim to transform these centres into spaces for rehabilitation, reform, and reintegration,” Laka stated.
The initiative highlights the importance of international cooperation in addressing global terrorism and extremism. With support from Canada and GCCS, the program will equip key Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) with the tools necessary to detect, prevent, and respond to extremist ideologies within prisons.
Saeida Rouass, Senior Fellow at GCCS, underscored the center’s role in providing technical training and support to correctional personnel. GCCS has previously worked with correctional systems in countries such as Morocco, Kenya, Indonesia, and Trinidad and Tobago on counter-extremism measures and the rehabilitation of terrorism-related offenders.
Sylvester Ndidi, Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), highlighted the service’s ongoing efforts to adapt to emerging security challenges. “Since 2016, we’ve implemented a deradicalisation program to strengthen our rehabilitation efforts,” he noted. His remarks, delivered by DCC Jammal Bakare, emphasized the critical role correctional facilities play in either curbing or reinforcing extremist ideologies, depending on how effectively these programs are implemented.
The initiative marks a significant step toward ensuring Nigeria’s correctional facilities become powerful tools in the fight against violent extremism, turning potential security threats into opportunities for reform and reintegration
