Nigeria has issued a direct call to the international community for a “trust-based” approach to counter-terrorism, warning that the evolving nature of global threats requires more than just military force.
Speaking at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2026 in Türkiye, Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd), warned that the lines between terrorism, banditry, and organised crime are increasingly blurred, particularly across the fragile Sahel region. General Musa told a panel of global leaders and security experts that the “greatest barrier” to defeating these groups is not a lack of weapons, but a lack of confidence in how nations share intelligence.
No country can go it alone
The Minister’s address highlighted the shift in how modern extremist groups operate—moving away from traditional structures toward decentralised, digital-first networks.” No country, regardless of strength or capacity, can confront terrorism alone. Collective security must guide our response,” General Musa said. He argued that while technology and capacity-building are vital, the international community’s success depends on:
Intelligence Sharing: Moving beyond suspicion to create transparent, reciprocal frameworks.
Technology Integration: Matching the speed at which terrorists exploit encryption and digital platforms.
Regional Leadership: Strengthening existing blocs like the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).
The Sahel struggle
The Sahel has become a focal point for global security concerns. Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, has been on the front lines of this fight for over a decade. General Musa pointed to Nigeria’s “comprehensive strategy” as a potential roadmap. This approach moves beyond the battlefield, combining military operations with grassroots governance and community engagement to address the poverty and instability that often drive recruitment.
A call for unity
While acknowledging significant domestic gains through improved intelligence architecture, the Minister stressed that the “convergence” of hybrid criminal networks requires a faster, more unified global response. The Minister concluded by reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to international stability, backed by the administration of President Bola Tinubu, stating that “unity of purpose” is the only path to a more secure world.
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