Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has emphasised that a secure Sahel region, encompassing Nigeria’s neighbours facing insecurity and economic hardship, is crucial for ensuring Nigeria’s security.
Speaking at the 1st Annual International Lecture organised by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) held at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, in Abuja, President Tinubu, represented by National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, stated that Nigeria’s strategic position and large population mean that instability in the Sahel significantly affects the country.
The lecture, themed “Insecurity in the Sahel (2008-2024): Dissecting Nigeria’s Challenges, Genesis, Impacts, and Options,” focused on addressing the ongoing security threats in the region.
President Tinubu highlighted his administration’s efforts in combating the ripple effects of Sahel instability, including Boko Haram, banditry, kidnapping, and violent extremism. He noted that both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies have been employed to address these threats.
Non-state actors
President Tinubu also called on non-state actors willing to surrender to come forward, offering them a chance to reintegrate if they renounce violence. However, he warned that those who continue to oppose the state will face consequences.
He attributed the complex security challenges to a range of factors, including climate change, food insecurity, and extremism, which have contributed to the region’s violence.
“The complex security challenges have deep roots in sundry causal factors such as climate change, food insecurity and extremism which have created a ring of violence and instability in the region,” he stated.
Prioritising security
The President stated that his administration has adopted a multifaceted approach to tackling security challenges, as outlined in the Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises security as a key focus of the government.
He added that over the past year, the administration had implemented various processes, policies, and programs aimed at improving security, fostering economic development, and enhancing the welfare of all Nigerians.
Also Read: Nigeria At 64: President Tinubu’s Path Towards Peace, National Security For Development
Nigeria’s security and the Sahel
The event’s chairman and former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, echoed President Tinubu’s sentiments, pointing out the deep connections between Nigeria’s security and the Sahel.
He expressed optimism that the lecture would spark thought-provoking discussions and lead to effective solutions to the region’s security issues.
“In the heart of insecurity are unemployment, proliferation of small arms and light weapons, internal conflict, and Environmental degradation, which create a fertile ground for insecurity in the nation and the region,” he said.
Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, also addressed the audience, explaining that the roots of insecurity in the Sahel and Nigeria are linked to both local and global issues, including poor governance, economic marginalization, climate change, and the fallout from conflicts in North Africa and the Middle East.
He stressed the importance of regional cooperation to tackle these issues.
“Armed Forces have worked tirelessly alongside regional and international partners to combat the insurgency and stabilize affected areas. Through joint operations like the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Nigeria has played a pivotal role in regional counter-terrorism efforts. Nevertheless, the path to lasting peace requires a multi-dimensional approach beyond military intervention as the nature of insecurity in the Sahel is deeply rooted in socio-economic and political issues, necessitating comprehensive solutions,” stated the CDS.
Guest Lecturer Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas highlighted the role of non-state actors in fuelling insecurity in the Sahel and urged stronger cross-border cooperation.
The lecture organised by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) is part of the national efforts to encourage public discourse on challenges of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping for ransom, militancy and violent ultranationalism, among others in the country.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks from NAN’s Managing Director, Mr. Ali Mohammed Ali, who expressed gratitude to the dignitaries and guests, including prominent figures such as the Katsina Governor and the Kenyan High Commissioner, for their participation.
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