Counter-terrorism chief seeks protection for judges, witnesses
Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, the national coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), has called for the protection of witnesses and judges who play pivotal roles in investigating, prosecuting, and adjudicating terrorism-related cases.
Mr Laka made the call at a two-day workshop and plenary of the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum Criminal Justice and Rule of Law Working Group in Abuja.
Nigeria, through the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), and Italy co-chair the meeting, which has the theme ‘Good Practices for the Protection of Witnesses and Criminal Justice Officials’.
Mr Laka said the fight against terrorism and organised crime in Nigeria, like many other nations, had presented multifaceted challenges that demanded unwavering dedication and collective action.
He called on countries under the GCTF umbrella to harness the power of collaboration and cooperation to advance their shared goals of justice, security, and peace.
According to him, it is imperative to ensure the protection of witnesses and criminal justice officials who play pivotal roles in the investigation, prosecution, and adjudication of terrorism-related cases.
“Criminal justice officials, including prosecutors, judges, and law enforcement officers, face significant risks as they fulfil their duties in the pursuit of justice.
“It behoved on all to prioritise the development and implementation of effective strategies to safeguard witnesses and Justice Officials, thereby ensuring their safety, well-being, and continued participation in the criminal justice process,” he said.
NCTC boss said Nigeria had co-chaired the GCTF CJ-ROL WG since 2017, adding that Nigeria co-chaired with Switzerland from 2017 to 2022 and Italy from 2022 to 2024.
He said the latest joint mandate between Nigeria and Italy had been extended from 2024 to 2026.
According to him, the working group seeks to identify relevant civilian counter-terrorism challenges and capacity gaps.
“It also considers activities to address the gaps, as well as to mobilise political will, financial resources and expertise,” he said.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Rights
EU, UN invest €500 million in fight against sexual violence
The European Union and the United Nations Spotlight Initiative have invested €500 million in the fight against SGBV.
Uncategorized
Court stops Governor Yusuf from reinstating Sanusi as Emir of Kano
Justice Mohammed Liman of the Kano Division of the Federal High Court has granted an ex parte order stopping the Kano government from reinstating dethroned Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II.
Anti-Corruption
Certificate forgers, drug offenders not eligible for Tinubu’s student loan scheme: FG
Mr Tinubu himself has a series of murky episodes characterised by academic forgery, identity theft, and narcotics trafficking.
Rights
Minister Kennedy-Ohanenye backs Niger mass wedding of 100 Niger orphans with donations
The Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, has thrown her weight behind the mass wedding of 100 female orphans in Niger, showering gifts on the girls.
States
Five kidnap victims rescued in Kogi: Police
The police command in Kogi says it rescued five kidnapped victims in the Adogo forest.
Economy
Garri price rose from N546 to N1,399; beans, N615 to N1,387; tomato, N485 to N1,123; yam, N444 to N1,130 in Tinubu’s first year: NBS
The National Bureau of Statistics says prices of rice, garri, tomato, beans, yam and other food items increased in April 2024.
