Defence Ministers vow to fight terrorism scourge in West, North Africa

Defence Ministers of Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) has made a bold commitment to boost collaboration against terrorism.

Since the start of Boko Haram in 2009 in Northeast Nigeria, a coalition had been mooted to combat the deadly group which had over time expanded its atrocities to other parts of Northern states.

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 to combat the menace.

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 and terrorist organizations.

Accordingly, at the meeting of Defence Ministers on February 3, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, discussions centered on strategy, initiative, and future plans to coordinate as well as support military operations against terrorism and counter terrorism financing and ideology.

It was learned that atthe meeting, the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, who was in attendance with fellow defence ministers, discussed strategies and shared intelligence in a bid to dismantle terrorist networks and disrupt their operations in Nigeria and the Sahel region.

The assembly focused on strengthening ties and forging a united front to combat the escalating threat of terrorism worldwide effectively.

Defence Ministers from up to 34 nations convened and discussed a more collaborative approach, recognizing that terrorism is not confined by borders and thus requires a multinational response.

The Minister of State for Defence, in his remarks, said: “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. Pertinently, it is worthy to reinforce Nigeria’s commitment and the need for deeper level of partnership in the areas of intelligence sharing, technical support and training for enhance regional and national security. ”

Key outcomes from the meeting included enhanced intelligence sharing, joint military training exercises, counter-terrorism financing and humanitarian support coordination.

The meeting concluded with a unified declaration that the coalition will take all necessary measures to prevent acts of terrorism and to protect the lives and freedoms of individuals worldwide.

The ministers pledged ongoing 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.

Nigeria was represented at the second meeting of Defence ministers by the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle. The Minister, who was a former Governor of Zamfara State, which has been one of the hotbeds of banditry and terrorism in recent times, brought his experience to bear in his presentation at the coalition. The Minister presented real life experience of Nigeria to the audience, with the hope of finding a lasting solution to Nigeria’s security challenges.