‘Nigeria will surmount security challenges soon’
Defence Ministers of Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) have made a bold commitment to boost the war against terrorism. However, National Coordinator, National Counter Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser (NCTC-ONSA), Rear Admiral Yaminu Musa (rtd), is optimistic that Nigeria will surmount her challenges of terrorism and other forms of insecurity, in view of the commitment of President Bola Tinubu and the strength of the ONSA under Nuhu Ribadu.
Since the start of Boko Haram in the North East in 2009, Nigeria has formed a coalition from many fronts to combat the deadly group, which, over time, has expanded its atrocities to other parts of the North.
The increasing menace of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Boko Haram and other emerging security threats, such as banditry and kidnapping, has necessitated growing defence bilateral relationship between Nigeria and other countries.
One of such is the IMCTC, formed by Saudi Arabia in December 2015, to bring together countries with common interests to embark on a united fight against terrorism.
Accordingly, it was gathered that a meeting of defence ministers took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to discuss strategy, initiative and future plans to coordinate, as well as support, military operations against terrorism, terrorism financing and ideology.
In the landmark meeting, The Guardian learnt, the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, discussed strategies and shared intelligence to dismantle terrorists’ networks and disrupt their operations in Nigeria and the Sahel region.
Sources at the minister’s office disclosed that the assembly focused on strengthening ties and forging a united front to combat the escalating threat of terrorism worldwide effectively.
Matawalle was quoted as saying: “Defence ministers from up to 34 nations convened and discussed a more collaborative approach, recognising that terrorism is not confined by borders and thus requires a multinational response.
“The threat of terrorism continues to evolve, becoming more complex and widespread. It is imperative that we, as a coalition, stand side by side, combining our resources and expertise to protect our nations and maintain global security. It is worthy to reinforce Nigeria’s commitment and the need for a deeper level of partnership in the areas of intelligence sharing, technical support and training to enhance regional and national security.”
Key outcomes of the meeting include enhanced intelligence sharing, joint military training, counter-terrorism financing and humanitarian support coordination.
The meeting concluded with a unified declaration that the coalition would take all necessary measures to prevent acts of terrorism and to protect the lives and freedoms of individuals worldwide.
The ministers pledged continued support and cooperation, stating that only through solidarity can the global community hope to eliminate the scourge of terrorism.
The participants also discussed the objectives of these initiatives and their role in supporting member countries in their fight against terrorism, violence and extremism.
MUSA enjoined Nigerians to be patriotic and believe that the country would be a better place, as the challenges confronting the country would give way through concerted efforts of well-meaning individuals and groups.
He stated this while addressing doctoral students of the Institute of Governance and Development Studies, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, who were on study tour to the NCTC-ONSA in Abuja.
The ONSA said: “I have no doubt that Nigeria would surmount the challenges of terrorism and other forms of insecurity in the nearest future. Presently, the security situation in the North East and other parts of the country is gradually improving. I believe that our deliberations and proffered suggestions on the way forward would further enhance our national security.”
Earlier, leader of the students on the study tour, Prof Andrew Zamani, had commended the coordinator for the privilege granted the students for interaction with the management of the centre to build on their knowledge, adding that the repository of the knowledge of terrorism and security generally resides at ONSA.
Zamani disclosed that Nasarawa State University remained proud of the coordinator, as one of its previous PhD students whose thesis on terrorism remained unmatched in the country.
