Nigeria has called for stronger trust-based international collaboration to effectively combat the evolving threat of global terrorism. This position was articulated by the Honourable Minister of Defence, Christopher Gwabin Musa, during a panel session titled “Countering Terrorism: International Cooperation Reclaimed” at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2026 held in the Republic of Türkiye.
Representing the Federal Government, the Defence Minister joined global leaders and security experts to examine emerging terrorist trends and reinforce the need for unified global action.
Speaking at the forum, General Musa highlighted the increasingly complex and transnational nature of terrorism, driven by decentralised networks, emerging technologies, and illicit financing.
He warned of the growing convergence between terrorism, organised crime, and banditry, particularly within the Sahel region, stressing that no nation can address these threats in isolation. He noted that while capacity-building remains vital, a major obstacle to effective cooperation is the lack of trust in intelligence sharing among countries.
The Minister outlined Nigeria’s progress in counterterrorism, citing improved military operations, enhanced intelligence frameworks, and active regional leadership through platforms such as the Multinational Joint Task Force.
He also emphasised a comprehensive national strategy that integrates security operations with governance, development, and community engagement. Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to global partnerships, General Musa called for transparent and accountable intelligence-sharing systems, while expressing appreciation to Bola Ahmed Tinubu for continued support to national security efforts.
