The Nigerian Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa has called for stronger regional collaboration to combat terrorism, emphasising that enemies of peace do not respect national borders.
He made this statement while receiving a delegation of Sahelian Think Tanks from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
General Musa stated, “We are the same people, only separated by artificial borders.”
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to working with its neighbours, emphasising that “cultural and historical ties among Sahelian nations should foster cooperation rather than division.”
According to him, the high-level engagement underscores a renewed commitment to tackling terrorism and insecurity in the region through a blend of military and diplomatic strategies.
Reflecting on his experience as a former Theater Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, General Musa shared insights into how Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts have evolved.
He explained that “the military’s approach has increasingly combined force with dialogue, ensuring that willing defectors from terrorist groups are given a fair chance to reintegrate into society.”
General Musa credited the Operation Safe Corridor initiative as a crucial element in addressing the insurgency by providing pathways for repentant militants to surrender and reintegrate.
The Team Leader Aliyu Gebi highlighted that the meeting was the result of over 12 years of discussions aimed at merging kinetic (military) and non-kinetic (diplomatic) efforts.
He emphasised that while military action is essential for winning battles, long-term peace can only be achieved through strategic cooperation and diplomacy.
Gebi also referenced earlier meetings in Barcelona and workshops in Norway, which laid the foundation for this visit.
Head of the Sahelian delegation, General Aime Simpore praised Nigeria’s resilience in the fight against terrorism and acknowledged the country’s extensive experience in counter-terrorism as a valuable asset for regional security efforts.
He stressed that defeating terrorism requires a unified approach, where nations share intelligence, strategies, and best practices.
As discussions continue, both parties remain committed to strengthening regional cooperation, reinforcing the belief that sustainable peace can only be achieved through collective action.
The meeting signals a step forward in aligning counter-terrorism strategies across the Sahel, proving that security is best secured through collaboration rather than isolated efforts.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
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