Federal Government has emphasised the need for stronger regional collaboration to tackle the influx of terrorist elements from the Sahel into Nigeria, particularly in the North-East.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, revealed this yesterday in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), Abdullahi Usman Bello.

According to Idris, the growing cross-border nature of insecurity makes it imperative for Nigeria to deepen engagement with neighbouring countries.

“As we speak, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is engaging with the President of Chad. Some of these criminal elements come in from the Sahel, especially in the northeastern part of this country. Fighting cross-border crime is not a one-country affair,” Idris noted.

The minister stated that the government was taking steps to address security challenges, including high-level engagements with security agencies and international partners, stressing that protecting lives and property remained a priority.

He also reaffirmed the country’s commitment to unity and religious freedom, warning against the activities of extremist groups.

“We have situations where we have extremists who attempt to force people into their own thinking, taking up arms, and attacking people. This is very, very unfortunate,” he said.

Beyond security, the meeting focused on strengthening collaboration between the ministry and the CCB to promote transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct in public service.

Idris said many Nigerians still had a limited understanding of the bureau’s mandate, often associating it only with asset declaration and enforcement.

“CCB is not about going to arrest or catch people when they are committing offences. Their duty is to ensure that these offences don’t even happen in the first place,” he said.

The Minister stressed the need for sustained public enlightenment, noting that awareness and enforcement must go hand in hand in tackling corruption and misconduct.

He assured the bureau of the ministry’s support through its agencies, including the National Orientation Agency, the Nigerian Television Authority and the News Agency of Nigeria, to amplify its activities and deepen public engagement.

Earlier, the CBB Chairman, Bello said the visit was aimed at building synergy with the ministry to strengthen public awareness of the bureau’s activities and promote ethical standards in governance.

MEANWHILE, President Tinubu met with Déby of Chad at the Aso Rock, the Presidential Villa, Abuja yesterday.

Tinubu received the Chadian leader in a closed-door session, where both leaders discussed issues of mutual interest and regional collaboration.

The meeting was attended by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, and other top government officials.

The meeting took place shortly before Tinubu’s planned trip to Jos to commiserate with victims of recent attacks in Plateau.

The meeting underscores ongoing efforts by both countries to strengthen bilateral relations and deepen cooperation on regional security, trade, and economic development.