National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has called for enhanced international collaboration to prevent the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) by terrorist groups across West Africa.
Speaking through the Permanent Secretary, Special Services Office at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mohammed Sanusi Danjuma, Ribadu made the appeal at a high-level stakeholder meeting hosted by the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in Abuja.
The event focused on strengthening regional cooperation in countering the acquisition and use of IEDs by insurgents. According to the NSA, the meeting underscores the urgent need to unite efforts across borders to disrupt terrorist capabilities and safeguard communities.
Danjuma acknowledged the support of the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF), the West Africa Capacity Building Working Group, the International Institute for Justice (IIJ), and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), all of whom collaborated in organizing the forum.
He emphasized that the gathering of Nigerian ministries, agencies, regional experts, and global stakeholders was vital to developing effective mechanisms to prevent IED-related attacks.
In his remarks, Algerian Ambassador to Nigeria, Hocine Mezoued, praised Nigeria’s leadership in hosting the forum and reiterated Algeria’s commitment to supporting Nigeria and fellow African nations in the ongoing battle against terrorism.
Mezoued affirmed his country’s dedication to fostering regional peace and security, stressing the importance of unity in defeating extremist threats.