Defence Minister, NCTC Coordinator Seek Partnership To End Security Threats In Nigeria

The Nigerian government has urged the European Union to increase its assistance in the country’s fight against insecurity, noting that if a percentage of the assistance given to Ukraine to counter Russian aggression were given to Nigeria, the country would be free of terrorism and banditry threats.

Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, Minister of Defence, made the statement at the Road to Schuman Security Conference, which was organised by the European Union Delegation to Nigeria, ECOWAS, the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), and the ECOWAS Commission.

The Minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Kana, stated that it is time for the world to band together to combat terrorism, emphasising that what affects one part of the world affects the rest.

He stated that no one would have predicted 25 years ago that Nigeria would be plagued by this level of insecurity, and that suicide bombings were unthinkable in Nigeria decades ago.

He stated, “If Nigeria received one percent of the support provided to Ukraine in its fight against Russia, we would be free of terrorism.”

He condemned recent military coups in West African countries, particularly Niger, which is currently ruled by a military junta, and urged everyone to help address the situation.

The speaker emphasised the importance of the forum in addressing coups in Africa, noting that Nigeria has no better or larger neighbour than Niger.

He never denied that Nigeria was planning to storm Niger to depose the military junta, claiming that Nigeria has the capability to do so but decided against it on second thought.

He stated, “We have the capability to send troops to Niger, but we weighed the options and chose Schuman’s path, the path of peace.”

According to him, Nigeria will continue to work with the EU and the Schuman Forum to end insecurity in West Africa, particularly in nations ruled by military juntas, while also advocating for good governance and job creation for Africa’s youth.

He stated, “This forum is an avenue to find out the causes of coups in Africa and propose possible solutions.”

Major General Adamu Laka, National Coordinator, National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), urged all stakeholders to work together to address current and emerging security threats and promote national development in Nigeria and the ECOWAS region.

The National Coordinator stated that the event aimed to enhance effective partnership in changing global security dynamics. The country’s critical situation informed the deployment of whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches to respond to emerging security threats.

He thanked the EU for its dedication to preserving peace and security in Nigeria and the ECOWAS region.

Amb. Samuela Isopi, leader of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, stated that the meeting’s purpose was to gather perspectives and assessments on the major peace, security, and defence challenges confronting Nigeria and its regional environment.

Isopi emphasised that, in light of the changing global security landscape, the meeting would focus on how to nurture and shape a tailored security and defence partnership between Nigeria and the EU. ‘No one can afford to work alone,’ she explained.

During the afternoon session between the EU and ECOWAS, titled Reducing Vulnerabilities through Partnerships- a Stakeholders’ Engagement on Regional Defence and Security Perspectives, ECOWAS Commissioner, Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Amb. Abdel-Fatau Musah, stated that the coup and subsequent withdrawal of three countries from the subregional body has complicated the fight against terrorism in West Africa.

He stated that $2.4 billion is being spent to establish an anti-terrorism organisation in West Africa, and that allowing terrorism to thrive would jeopardise the entire region.

He stated that the three countries, despite having announced their exit from the regional bloc, are still considered members of ECOWAS until January next year.

He stated that we want the countries back because they are valuable to the Community.

Musah stated that ECOWAS was willing to collaborate with the EU to bring peace back to the region.

The meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, served as a precursor to the Schuman Security and Defence Forum, which will take place in Brussels, Belgium on May 28 and 29, 2024, and will include Nigeria, 27 EU member states, 60 partner countries, and international organisations.