Nigeria pushes for stronger regional action against terrorism at ECOWAS/ Sahel security conference
Nigeria has renewed calls for coordinated regional action against terrorism in West Africa and the Sahel, with Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar urging member states and partners to translate declarations into concrete security outcomes.
Speaking at the opening of the Regional Conference on Combating Emerging Terrorist Groups and Strengthening Sustainable Security, held on Wednesday at the National Counterterrorism Centre in Abuja, Abubakar warned that terrorism, insurgency, and insecurity remain “existential challenges that endanger our people, our economies, and our shared future.”
The Minister, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, anchored Nigeria’s position on the Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that peace and stability are the bedrock of prosperity.
He outlined three strategic priorities to strengthen regional response: the integration of intelligence across borders using real-time fusion and advanced technology; the institutionalisation of joint military operations through the full operationalisation of the ECOWAS Standby Force and harmonised legal frameworks; and tackling the root causes of radicalisation by investing in education, youth empowerment, community resilience and accountable governance. “Security must strengthen legitimacy, not weaken it,” he said.
Abubakar pointed to Nigeria’s ongoing counterterrorism operations, noting that the Armed Forces have dismantled multiple terrorist strongholds, leading to thousands of surrenders.
He highlighted the progress of Operation Safe Corridor in rehabilitating and reintegrating repentant fighters, while reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to the Multinational Joint Task Force in the Lake Chad Basin and adherence to the Yaoundé Code of Conduct for maritime security.
“These initiatives show how military strength, diplomacy and community-based solutions can work together and serve as models for the ECOWAS region,” he added.
The Defence Minister also applauded the support of the United Nations, African Union, European Union, and other international partners, but urged for deeper collaboration.
He called for more investment in intelligence-sharing platforms, technical assistance for the ECOWAS Standby Force, and funding for socio-economic programmes that can block extremist recruitment pipelines.
“African resolve must be matched by sustained international partnership,” he noted.
As the conference continues, Abubakar challenged regional and international stakeholders to move beyond statements of intent.
“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 message, he concluded, is clear: the region’s security is indivisible, the threats are urgent, and the time for united and well-supported action is now.
