Nigerian Government Requests Europe’s Assistance To Combat Banditry, Terrorism

The Nigerian government called on the European Union on Wednesday to increase its assistance to the country’s fight against insecurity, noting that if a percentage of the assistance given to Ukraine to deter Russian aggression was 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 co-organized 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 unite 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 such levels of insecurity, and that suicide bombing was unthinkable in Nigeria decades ago.

He stated, “If Nigeria receives one per cent of the support given to Ukraine to fight Russia, we will be free of terrorism.”

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

The speaker emphasised the need for a forum to address the issue of coups in Africa, citing Nigeria as a neighbour with no superiority over Niger.

He never ruled out the possibility that Nigeria was planning to storm Niger to depose the military junta, stating that Nigeria can do so but decided against it after second thought.

He stated, “We can send troops to Niger, but we looked critically at the issues and followed Schuman’s 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 countries governed by military juntas, while also advocating for good governance and job creation for Africa’s youth.

He stated: “This forum is an opportunity to investigate the causes of coups in Africa and propose potential solutions.”

Major General Adamu Laka, National Coordinator of the 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 partnerships in the 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 commitment to preserving peace and security in Nigeria and the ECOWAS region.

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

Isopi stated 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 said.

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 sub-regional 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 be disastrous for the entire region.

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

He stated that we want the countries back because they are important to the community.

Musah stated that ECOWAS was ready to collaborate with the EU to restore peace to the region.

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