Abuja: The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Connect Network Foundation have launched the Safe Zone Project, an initiative designed to protect and empower women affected by insecurity in Nigeria. In his remarks, the National Coordinator of NCTC, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, highlighted the importance of the initiative amidst the ongoing challenges of terrorism, violent extremism, banditry, kidnapping, and human trafficking facing the country.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Laka stressed that sustainable peace requires interventions that focus on people, addressing root causes, preventing radicalisation, and supporting rehabilitation and reintegration. The SAFE ZONE Project aims specifically at women who have been disproportionately affected by insecurity, including those who have experienced trafficking, forced recruitment, sexual violence, and economic deprivation. The programme seeks to bring together government institutions, civil society organisations, digital innovation platforms, and international partners to offer safe pathways, livelihood support, and empowerment opportunities for affected women.
Laka noted that the initiative is in alignment with Nigeria’s Policy Framework and National Action Plan for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism 2017, as well as the Women, Peace, and Security agenda. This alignment reinforces national ownership while drawing on the expertise of non-state actors. He praised the Connect Network Foundation, Connect Her Network, and all partners for their dedication, urging stakeholders to view SAFE ZONE as a scalable model for advancing Nigeria’s broader peace and security objectives.
Amb. Ojiah Oguche, the founder of Connect Network Foundation, remarked that the programme intends to provide more than just rescue operations. It encompasses counseling, vocational training, and livelihood support aimed at ensuring women regain social, financial, and mental stability. Oguche acknowledged the challenges of shame, stigma, and trauma that many women face after surviving conflict and emphasized the project’s role in equipping them with the skills and resilience necessary to rebuild their lives and engage meaningfully in their communities. She also mentioned that while the initiative primarily targets women, it includes plans for the reintegration of men who have suffered as well.
The project is community-driven, leveraging NCTC networks nationwide, and is designed as a minimum three-year programme with the potential for future international expansion. Amb. Abimbola Wonosikou, Director of Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) at NCTC, explained that the NCTC would oversee stakeholder coordination and programme monitoring to ensure affected women receive the necessary support and rehabilitation. She stated that the centre’s involvement with affected communities through various intervention projects positions the safe zone project as a transformative effort.
Wonosikou concluded that the Safe Zone Project exemplifies Nigeria’s shift towards people-centred security interventions, addressing the root causes of extremism while empowering vulnerable populations.