The Nigerian government has pledged renewed support for counter-terrorism efforts in West Africa, with the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru, emphasising a collaborative approach to address terrorism on the continent. Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday, Badaru reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional security while receiving a delegation from the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC), led by Maj.-Gen. Mohammed Al-Moghidi of Saudi Arabia.
Badaru expressed concern over the rising threat of terrorism in Africa, describing the situation as “bleeding” the continent and underscoring the urgency for collective action. “By supporting the IMCTC, Nigeria reaffirms its dedication to regional and global security, underscoring the importance of collective action in combating terrorism,” he stated. The minister added that West African countries are in critical need of support to combat these threats.
Highlighting the importance of the IMCTC, Badaru assured the coalition of Nigeria’s readiness to work together to achieve shared objectives. “Whatever action you are taking, we will support you,” he emphasized. “We are ready and willing to work with you to achieve the set objectives.”
Maj.-Gen. Al-Moghidi acknowledged the longstanding bilateral relations between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, expressing optimism about enhancing intelligence sharing and training. “Our purpose here is to strengthen the synergy between our nations,” Al-Moghidi explained, noting that both countries stand to benefit from a united approach to security challenges.
