 on Wednesday denied claims that it had supplied arms to any socio-cultural organisation){kind=link}
The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) on Wednesday denied claims that it had supplied arms to any socio-cultural organisation, describing the reports as false.
In a statement issued by Mr. Abu Michael, Head of Strategic Communications at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC-ONSA), the office said restrictions on sharing certain security-related information were necessary to protect personnel and ensure ongoing counter-terrorism operations across the country were not compromised.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the federal government and its agencies are not conducting kinetic operations with any socio-cultural groups. Claims that the Office of the National Security Adviser has provided arms to any socio-cultural organisation are false and should be disregarded,” the statement said.
The clarification came in response to recent media reports, particularly concerning operations in forested areas of Kwara State, which the office described as inaccurate and misleading.
Michael noted that the reports prompted the need to explain the nature and scope of current counter-terrorism activities, which are carefully coordinated to tackle threats posed by bandits, criminals and terrorist groups.
According to the statement, the NCTC, under the ONSA, continues to coordinate and support law enforcement, security and intelligence agencies in line with the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022, and guided by the National Counter Terrorism Strategy (NACTEST).
A critical part of the kinetic approach involves the deployment of hybrid forces, which bring together regular security personnel and trained irregular auxiliaries, including hunters and vigilante groups, particularly in difficult terrains such as forests.
The office cited the North East operations against Boko Haram, supported by the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), as a successful model that continues to guide hybrid deployments in the North West and North Central zones.
Michael emphasised that all personnel involved in these operations are recruited directly by authorised security agencies following strict due diligence, and that all activities are conducted in accordance with the law and established standard operating procedures.
He urged the public to disregard unverified reports misrepresenting security operations and called on journalists to exercise caution and professionalism in reporting, advising them to seek confirmation from designated official spokespersons when necessary.
The NCTC reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and public engagement aimed at improving understanding of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts.