MINISTRY OF DEFENCE, ABUJA
PRESS RELEASE
DEFENCE MINISTER BADARU CALLS FOR STRONGER REGIONAL ACTION AGAINST TERRORISM IN ECOWAS/SAHEL
By Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu
Democracy Newsline Newspaper
03 September 2025 – Abuja, Nigeria
Nigeria has once again reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the fight against terrorism and violent extremism across West Africa and the wider Sahel region. This assurance was delivered today by the Honourable Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, CON, mni, during the opening ceremony of the Regional Conference on Combating Emerging Terrorist Groups and Strengthening Sustainable Security, held at the National Counterterrorism Centre, Abuja.
Addressing a high-level gathering of senior government officials, regional security experts, diplomats, and representatives of multilateral institutions, the Minister, who served as the Special Guest of Honour, issued a resounding warning:
“Terrorism, insurgency, and insecurity are existential threats that endanger our people, undermine our economies, and threaten our shared future. The urgency for coordinated regional action has never been greater.”
Minister Badaru Abubakar reaffirmed Nigeria’s strategic role in promoting peace and security under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which places peace and stability as foundational pillars for regional prosperity.
Three Strategic Priorities for Regional Security
In his keynote address, the Minister outlined three strategic priorities to effectively counter the evolving threat landscape:
1. Intelligence Integration & Technology
He emphasized the need for real-time intelligence fusion across ECOWAS member states, supported by advanced technologies capable of identifying, tracking, and disrupting terrorist networks before they can strike.
2. Joint Military Operations & Legal Harmonization
The Minister called for the full operationalization of the ECOWAS Standby Force, as well as harmonized regional legal frameworks to eliminate safe havens and ensure cross-border accountability for extremists and transnational criminal groups.
3. Tackling Root Causes of Radicalization
Acknowledging that force alone is insufficient, he urged deeper investments in education, youth empowerment, accountable governance, and community resilience.
“Security must strengthen legitimacy, not weaken it,” he emphasized.
Nigeria’s Leadership and Regional Contributions
Minister Badaru Abubakar outlined Nigeria’s multi-pronged strategy to promote sustainable peace:
The Armed Forces of Nigeria have dismantled several terrorist and criminal strongholds, resulting in thousands of voluntary surrenders.
The Operation Safe Corridor continues to provide effective rehabilitation and reintegration for former combatants, helping to break the cycle of violence.
Nigeria remains an active contributor to the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in the Lake Chad Basin.
Nigeria also upholds the Yaoundé Code of Conduct, reinforcing its commitment to securing both land and maritime domains.
He stressed that Nigeria’s approach—combining military strength, diplomacy, and community-based solutions—should serve as a model for the ECOWAS region.
Call for International Support and Sustainable Partnerships
While appreciating the support of key international partners—the United Nations, African Union, European Union, and others—the Minister called for deeper collaboration:
Support for regional intelligence fusion platforms
Technical and logistical backing for the ECOWAS Standby Force
Increased funding for socio-economic programmes that prevent radicalization and extremist recruitment
“African resolve must be matched by sustained international partnership,” he said.
Action, Not Rhetoric
In his closing remarks, Minister Badaru Abubakar called for the conference to go beyond mere declarations:
“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 for West Africa.”
He reiterated that the security of the region is indivisible, the threats are urgent, and the time for united, coordinated, and well-supported action is now.
Mati Ali
PA Media & Publicity to the Hon. Minister
Ministry of Defence, Abuja
