Nigeria has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to combating terrorism and violent extremism across West Africa and the Sahel, with a call for stronger international support to complement regional resolve.
Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, CON, mni, made this declaration at the opening of the Regional Conference on Combating Emerging Terrorist Groups and Strengthening Sustainable Security, held on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at the National Counterterrorism Centre (NCTC) in Abuja.
Addressing senior government officials, diplomats, and security experts as Special Guest of Honour, the Minister described terrorism, insurgency, and insecurity as existential threats that endanger lives, economies, and the shared future of the region.
He stressed that Nigeria’s stance is rooted in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places peace and stability at the heart of national and regional development.
Abubakar outlined three key priorities for the region’s counterterrorism strategy. First, integrating intelligence across borders through real-time fusion centres and advanced technology to disrupt terror networks. Second, institutionalising joint military operations, including the operationalisation of the ECOWAS Standby Force supported by harmonised legal frameworks that deny extremists safe havens. Third, addressing the underlying drivers of radicalisation by investing in education, youth empowerment, community resilience, and accountable governance. “Security must strengthen legitimacy, not weaken it,” he stated.
The Minister highlighted Nigeria’s contributions to regional security, including the Armed Forces’ dismantling of terrorist strongholds, which has led to thousands of surrenders, as well as the rehabilitation and reintegration of repentant fighters under Operation Safe Corridor.
He further cited Nigeria’s support for the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in the Lake Chad Basin and its commitment to the Yaoundé Code of Conduct for securing both land and maritime domains.
While commending the support of the United Nations, African Union, European Union, and other international partners, Abubakar called for greater investment in intelligence-sharing platforms, technical support for the ECOWAS Standby Force, and funding of socio-economic initiatives to block extremist recruitment pipelines.
“African resolve must be matched by sustained international partnership,” he emphasised.
The Defence Minister therefore urged the gathering to deliver actionable results.
“This conference must not end with words. It must deliver an actionable roadmap that strengthens partnerships, deepens collaboration, and secures a future of peace, stability, and shared prosperity,” he stressed.
Nigeria’s position, he noted, is clear: the region’s security is indivisible, the threats are urgent, and the time for united and well-supported action is now.
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