Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, has called for a reset in global counterterrorism cooperation, urging a shift towards trust-based intelligence sharing and collective security frameworks as terrorist threats grow more complex and transnational.
General Musa made the call while representing Nigeria at a high-level panel session on “Countering Terrorism: International Cooperation Reclaimed” at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Türkiye.
Addressing global leaders, policymakers and security experts, he warned that terrorism was increasingly driven by decentralised networks, emerging technologies and illicit financing, with growing convergence between terrorism, organised crime and banditry across fragile regions such as the Sahel.
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“No country, regardless of strength or capacity, can confront terrorism alone. Collective security must guide our response. Mistrust in intelligence-sharing frameworks remains a major barrier to effective cooperation,” he said.
General Musa emphasised that transparent, reciprocal and accountable intelligence-sharing frameworks are critical, particularly as terrorist groups exploit encrypted communications, digital platforms and hybrid criminal networks.
The Minister highlighted Nigeria’s measurable progress through sustained military operations, improved intelligence architecture and strengthened regional collaboration.
Nigeria’s counterterrorism strategy, as outlined by General Musa, combines decisive military operations with governance, development and community engagement to address root causes and sustain long-term stability.
He noted that this reflects a shift from purely kinetic responses to a comprehensive model that integrates security, development and reintegration efforts.