Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to the fight against terrorism in West Africa and Sahel.
This was released by the Minister of Defense, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, while opening the Regional Conference on the Fight against Emerging Terrorist Groups and strengthens Sustainable Security at the National Center for Contracting against Terrorism on Wednesday.
Speaking as the special guest of honor for senior officials, diplomats and security experts of the National Center against Abuja terrorism, the minister warned that “terrorism, insurgency and insecurity are existential challenges that endanger our people, our economies and our shared future.”
In a statement issued by its media assistant, Mati Ali quoted Badaru as the guarantees of Nigeria in the center of the discussion, aligning them with the renewed agenda of hope of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who prioritizes peace as the cornerstone of prosperity.
The minister also set three priorities. “First, integrating intelligence throughout the region through fusion and technology in real time to track and interrupt terrorist networks.
“Secondly, he requested the institutionalization of joint military operations, with a renewed impulse for the full operationalization of the force waiting for CEDEAS and the harmonized legal frameworks that do not leave safe shelters for extremists.
“And thirdly, he asked to address the fundamental causes of radicalization by investing in education, youth empowerment, community resilience and responsible governance.” Security must strengthen legitimacy, not weaken it, “he said.
He added that Nigeria has positioned itself within the broader geopolitical space, making it clear that regional security requires a balance of African resolution and international solidarity.
The Nigerian armed forces have dismantled multiple terrorists/criminal strengths, which caused thousands of surrender. Operation Safe Corredor is advancing in 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. Nigeria also defends the Yaoundé code of behavior to ensure domains of land and maritime,” he said.
Badaru explained that these initiatives demonstrate how military force, diplomacy and community solutions can complement each other and serve as models for the Ecowas region.
He also thanked the United Nations, the African Union, the European Union and other international partners for their continuous support, which strengthened regional capacity.
“However, he urged partners to invest in intelligence fusion platforms, provide technical support for strength waiting for CEDEAS and finance socio -economic programs that block extremist recruitment pipes.” The African resolution must be matched by a sustained international association, “he said.
Closing his speech, Abubakar asked that the conference go beyond the statements and deliver a practical road map that deepens cooperation and ensures the future of Western Africa.
“This conference should not end the words. It must offer a processable roadmap that strengthens the associations, deepens collaboration and ensures a future of peace, stability and shared prosperity,” he emphasized.
Nigeria’s message is clear: the safety of the region is indivisible, the threats are urgent and the time for the united and well backed action is now.
Read too Main stories OF Nigerian tribe
Watch the best Nigerian Tribune TV videos