…Defence Minister Badaru Warns of Existential Threat, Unveils 3-Point Action Plan in Abuja
By Joy Odor, Abuja
Nigeria has sounded a rallying cry for tougher regional action against terrorism, warning that insecurity in West Africa and the Sahel poses an “existential threat” to people, economies, and the region’s shared future.
At the Regional Conference on Combating Emerging Terrorist Groups and Strengthening Sustainable Security in Abuja, Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar declared that Nigeria is ready to lead from the front but victory demands united ECOWAS action, real-time intelligence sharing, and stronger global support.
“Terrorism, insurgency and insecurity are existential challenges that endanger our people, our economies, and our shared future,” the Minister warned.
Badaru’s 3-Point Roadmap:
1️⃣ Integrate intelligence across the region with cutting-edge technology to crush terror networks.
2️⃣ Institutionalise joint military operations with full activation of the ECOWAS Standby Force and harmonised legal frameworks.
3️⃣ Attack radicalisation at its roots with education, youth empowerment, community resilience, and accountable governance.
He linked Nigeria’s stand to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that “security must strengthen legitimacy, not weaken it.”
Badaru cited Nigeria’s gains, dismantling terrorist strongholds, mass surrenders, and rehabilitation under Operation Safe Corridor, while reaffirming Nigeria’s support for the Multinational Joint Task Force and the Yaoundé Code of Conduct on maritime security.
He applauded backing from the UN, AU, EU and other partners, but pressed them to move beyond rhetoric by funding intelligence fusion platforms, boosting the ECOWAS Standby Force, and financing socio-economic programmes that block extremist recruitment.
“African resolve must be matched by sustained international partnership,” he declared. This conference must not end with words. It must deliver an actionable roadmap that secures our region’s future.”
With violent extremism destabilising West Africa, Nigeria’s message was clear: the threats are urgent, the security of the region is indivisible, and the time for united, decisive action is now.
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