The Federal Government has restated its determination to intensify the fight against terrorism in West Africa and the Sahel, promising deeper collaboration with regional and international partners to restore peace and security across the region.

 

Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, gave the assurance on Wednesday at the opening of the Regional Conference on Combating Emerging Terrorist Groups and Strengthening Sustainable Security, held at the National Counterterrorism Centre in Abuja. The statement was released by his spokesman, Mati Ali.

 

Abubakar described terrorism, insurgency, and insecurity as “existential challenges that endanger our people, our economies, and our shared future,” stressing that Nigeria remains central to regional efforts to overcome the threat.

 

He outlined the Federal Government’s three key priorities under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda:

 

1. Integrating intelligence across the region through real-time fusion and technology to track and disrupt terror networks.

 

 

2. Institutionalising joint military operations, with renewed momentum for the full operationalisation of the ECOWAS Standby Force and harmonised legal frameworks to eliminate safe havens for extremists.

 

 

3. Addressing root causes of radicalisation by investing in education, youth empowerment, community resilience, and accountable governance.

 

 

 

The minister noted that Nigeria’s armed forces have made gains in recent months, dismantling terrorist strongholds and prompting thousands of fighters to surrender.

 

“Operation Safe Corridor is advancing rehabilitation and reintegration to reduce the cycle of violence and help communities heal. Nigeria supports the Multinational Joint Task Force in the Lake Chad Basin and upholds the Yaoundé Code of Conduct to secure land and maritime domains,” he said.

 

Abubakar stressed that Nigeria’s approach combines military strength, diplomacy, and community-driven solutions, serving as a model for the wider ECOWAS region.

 

He commended the United Nations, African Union, European Union, and other international partners for their continued support, which he said has helped strengthen regional capacity to respond to threats.

 

The minister urged partners to increase investments in intelligence fusion platforms, provide technical support for the ECOWAS Standby Force, and expand funding for socio-economic initiatives that can block extremist recruitment pipelines.