The Nigerian government has called on the European Union to increase its support for Nigeria’s fight against insecurity. The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, stated that if Nigeria received even one percent of the assistance currently directed to Ukraine, the country could eradicate terrorism and banditry.
Speaking at the Road to Schuman Security Conference, organized by the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), and the ECOWAS Commission, Abubakar emphasized global solidarity in combating terrorism. He highlighted that 25 years ago, Nigeria was not plagued by such insecurity and suicide bombings were unheard of.
“If Nigeria gets one percent of the support given to Ukraine to fight back Russia, we would be free of terrorism,” he said.
The Minister, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Kana, condemned recent military coups in West Africa, particularly in Niger. He called for collective efforts to end coups and maintain peace, stating that Nigeria has the capacity to intervene militarily but prefers peaceful solutions.
“We have the capacity to send troops to Niger but we looked critically at the issues and followed the path of Schuman, the path of peace,” he added.
Nigeria plans to continue collaborating with the EU and the Schuman Forum to enhance security in West Africa, advocating for good governance and job creation for the youth.
Major General Adamu Laka, National Coordinator of NCTC, stressed the need for concerted efforts to address security threats, enhancing national development across the ECOWAS region. He praised the EU’s commitment to maintaining peace and security.
Ambassador Samuela Isopi, head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, highlighted the meeting’s goal of addressing the main security challenges in Nigeria and the region. She emphasized the necessity of a tailored security partnership between Nigeria and the EU.
In the afternoon session, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, noted the complications arising from recent coups and the withdrawal of three countries from ECOWAS. He mentioned a $2.4 billion plan to establish an anti-terrorism outfit in West Africa, warning of severe regional consequences if terrorism persists.
The meeting in Abuja served as a prelude to the Schuman Security and Defence Forum, scheduled for May 28-29, 2024, in Brussels, where Nigeria will join 27 EU member states, 60 partner countries, and international organizations.
