By our correspondant
National Counter Terrorism Centre, NCTC in collaboration with Connect Network Foundation and Connect Her Network on Tuesday launched the SAFE ZONE Project, an initiative aimed at protecting, reintegration and empowering women affected by insecurity across Nigeria.
Nigerian Pilot reports that the project was unveiled in Abuja as part of broader efforts to strengthen non-kinetic approaches to national security.
Speaking at the launch on behalf of the National Security Adviser, NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Coordinator of the NCTC, Major General Adamu Laka noted that the initiative comes at a critical point in Nigeria’s security journey, as the country continues to confront terrorism, violent extremism, banditry, kidnapping and human trafficking. He said while sustained security operations have yielded results, the humanitarian and social impacts of insecurity, especially on women and girls, remain significant.
“At the National Counter Terrorism Centre, our experience has reinforced a fundamental truth: terrorism and violent extremism cannot be addressed through hard power alone. Military and law enforcement actions are necessary, but they are not sufficient,” he said.
Founder of the Connect Network Foundation, Dr. Ojiah Ogwuche, explained that beyond rescue, the initiative prioritises social, financial and mental recovery to prevent stigma and long-term trauma that women often suffer after terrorism attacks. “It is not enough to just bring them back. It is about deliberately looking out for them so that they are socially and financially and even mentally reintegrated properly,” she said.
Ogwuche noted that the project aligns with the NCTC framework and addresses gaps in survival and empowerment training for women. While women are the primary focus, she added that men will also be captured in due time, describing SAFE ZONE initiative as a long-term, community-driven programme expected to run for at least three years.
Director, Preventing Countering Violent Extremism, PCVE, at NCTC, Amb. Abimbola Wonosikou noted that the NCTC will play a coordinating and oversight role in the SAFE ZONE Project. She explained that the NCTC will serve as an umbrella body, bringing together relevant stakeholders capable of effectively driving the initiative. According to her, the multi-stakeholder coordination will ensure that affected women are reached and provided with the support required for recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration into society. She added that the NCTC will also monitor the implementation of the project to ensure its objectives are achieved
Nigerian Pilot reports that the SAFE ZONE Project is designed to address vulnerabilities faced by women, including exploitation, forced recruitment and economic deprivation, through targeted and empowering interventions. It also promotes rehabilitation and reintegration while strengthening community resilience.
Earlier, the NCTC Coordinator said the project reflects a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, bringing together government agencies, civil society organisations, digital platforms and international partners. He added that the initiative aligns with Nigeria’s Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism National Action Plan and the Women, Peace and Security agenda.
