A high-level African Counter-Terrorism Meeting convened in Abuja on Monday, drawing attention to the urgent need for integrated security strategies to combat the rising menace of terrorism across the continent.
Hosted under the theme ‘Strengthening Regional Cooperation and Institution Building to Address the Evolving Threat of Terrorism in Africa,’ the gathering brought together key stakeholders, including top officials and leaders from various African nations.
During the meeting, National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu emphasized the gravity of the terrorism challenge facing Africa, citing a 22% increase in terrorism-related deaths across 41 countries in 2023.
Ribadu underscored the multifaceted nature of the threat, with various terrorist groups such as Boko Haram, ISWAP, al Shabaab, and others posing significant security challenges in different regions.
According to Ribadu, terrorism in Africa stems from a complex array of factors, including foreign terrorist fighters, organized crime, prolonged conflicts, and socioeconomic vulnerabilities such as high youth unemployment and porous borders.
He stressed the importance of adopting integrated security strategies that combine military, economic, and regional cooperation efforts to address these challenges effectively.
”In response to the evolving threats, Nigeria has implemented a robust strategy focused on enhancing military and security cooperation, standardizing legal frameworks, improving local security measures, and implementing preventive measures to counter violent extremism.
”President Tinubu’s administration is committed to engaging communities through public awareness campaigns and media initiatives to ensure a secure and stable West African region,” he said.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar echoed the sentiments expressed by Ribadu, emphasizing the unprecedented threats posed by terrorism to the values, freedoms, and aspirations of the continent.
Tuggar highlighted Nigeria’s efforts to push for greater cooperation in countering terrorism and tackling the proliferation of small arms in Africa, with over 40 million unregistered and untraceable small arms in the hands of non-state actors.
The meeting provided a platform for African leaders to exchange best practices, share knowledge, and strengthen partnerships in the fight against terrorism.
President Bola Tinubu, alongside his counterparts from Ghana and Togo, attended the opening session.
”There is a pressing need for concerted action and collaboration among African nations to address the complex security challenges posed by terrorism and violent extremism across the continent,” Tuggar added.
