Spain and Nigeria’s National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), have called for a coordinated and trauma-informed framework to support victims of terrorism across the country.
The call was made on Wednesday in Abuja at a two-day workshop co-organised by the NCTC and the Spanish Government, aimed at strengthening institutional responses to the needs and rights of terrorism victims.
Speaking at the opening session, the National Coordinator of the NCTC, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, described the initiative as critical to addressing the complex humanitarian and security challenges posed by terrorist violence.
Laka, who was represented by the Director of Intelligence at the NCTC, Brig.-Gen. Peter Gbor, reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to a humane, inclusive and coordinated counterterrorism strategy that places victims at the core of policies and programmes.
He emphasised that the NCTC’s mandate extends beyond dismantling terrorist networks to building national resilience, preventing violent extremism and ensuring comprehensive care for those affected by terrorism.
Describing the workshop as a humanitarian call to action, Laka said victims often suffer deep physical, emotional, psychological and socio-economic scars that require intentional protection and structured support.
“The workshop aims to enhance understanding of victims’ needs and rights, promote trauma-informed and gender-sensitive support frameworks, and strengthen collaboration among stakeholders,” he said.
He commended the Spanish Government and other partners for their sustained commitment, urging participants to engage meaningfully in developing practical solutions.
In his remarks, Spain’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Félix Costale, stressed that bringing perpetrators of terrorist acts to justice remains a primary demand of victims and a central pillar of counterterrorism efforts.
“Victims must remain at the centre of global counterterrorism strategies, not only because of the duty to provide them with protection and assistance, but also because of the vital role they play in raising awareness and preventing violent extremism,” he said.
Costale noted that Spain has developed a comprehensive protection model over the years, recognising the role of victims in education, advocacy and policy development.
According to him, their lived experiences serve as powerful tools for prevention and public awareness.
He added that the Abuja workshop would deepen empathy, strengthen dialogue and enhance bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and Spain in building sustainable support systems for victims of terrorism.
Also speaking, the Country Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Cheikh Touré, said the initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s institutional response to victims’ rights and welfare.
Touré stressed that victims deserve more than sympathy, calling for structured and comprehensive systems that address their physical, emotional and psychological needs.
He described the workshop as a significant step toward developing guidance that would assist member states in designing holistic, victim-centred assistance frameworks.
According to him, victims should be recognised as agents of change, educators, peacebuilders and advocates in efforts to counter violent extremism.
He further emphasised the need to strengthen legal and policy frameworks, improve inter-agency coordination, guarantee access to justice, and enhance psychosocial, economic and community-based support mechanisms.
Pressroom reports that the two-day engagement brought together policymakers, security agencies, humanitarian organisations and civil society representatives to exchange experiences, identify gaps and propose practical measures to strengthen Nigeria’s victim-support architecture.
The workshop is widely viewed as part of Nigeria’s broader shift towards a more humane and inclusive counterterrorism strategy — one that recognises that sustainable peace depends not only on defeating terrorism, but also on restoring dignity, justice and hope to those most affected.
