Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, has urged for enhanced regional cooperation to combat terrorism in the ECOWAS and Sahel regions.
Speaking at a conference on combating emerging terrorist groups at the National Counterterrorism Centre in Abuja, the Minister stressed that insecurity poses an “existential challenge” to the people, economies, and future of the region.
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Abubakar outlined a three-pronged approach to tackling the threat.
He called for real-time intelligence fusion and technology sharing to track and dismantle terror networks.
The minister also pushed for the full operationalisation of the ECOWAS Standby Force and the creation of harmonised legal frameworks to deny extremists safe havens.
In addition, he stressed the importance of investing in education, youth empowerment, and community resilience to counter radicalisation.
The Minister highlighted Nigeria’s ongoing efforts, including the dismantling of criminal strongholds, the rehabilitation and reintegration of surrendering individuals through “Operation Safe Corridor,” and its support for the Multinational Joint Task Force in the Lake Chad Basin.
He presented these initiatives as a model for the ECOWAS region, demonstrating how military strength can be combined with diplomacy and community-based solutions.
Abubakar also called on international partners, including the United Nations, African Union, and European Union, to provide sustained support.
He requested investment in intelligence fusion platforms, technical assistance for the ECOWAS Standby Force, and funding for socio-economic programs to prevent extremist recruitment.
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He urged the conference to produce a concrete, actionable roadmap for strengthening partnerships and securing the future of West Africa.
