NEW YORK — Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, has urged world leaders to establish long-term support systems for victims of violent extremism, revealing that his country has secured 865 terrorism-related convictions so far this year.
Speaking at the Ministerial Meeting of the Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, Gen Musa called for a shift away from short-term humanitarian relief towards sustained rehabilitation and justice mechanisms. The meeting, co-convened by Spain and Iraq, focused on the evolving global threat of violent extremism.
Addressing delegates, Gen. Musa highlighted the severe toll of terrorism on the African continent, pointing out that Sub-Saharan Africa accounted for roughly 60 percent of global terrorism-related deaths in 2025.”Behind these figures are families displaced, livelihoods destroyed, communities fractured, and lives permanently changed,” Gen. Musa said. “Our task now is to ensure that the identified priorities and needs of victims… are translated into sustained action.”Detailing Nigeria’s judicial and counter-terrorism measures, the minister emphasised that securing convictions remains a cornerstone of holding perpetrators accountable. He added that national efforts continue to prioritize freeing captives and delivering comprehensive post-rescue care—including medical support, psychological aid, and community reintegration.
Gen Musa outlined a three-point plan to bolster international collaboration:
Peer Learning: Establishing formal mechanisms for countries to share operational strategies, including honest evaluations of failed approaches.
Inclusive Partnerships: Building direct channels between governments, civil society, and victims’ groups to ensure survivors participate directly in justice processes.
Targeted UN Support: Expanding technical assistance and resource allocation specifically for nations bearing the heaviest brunt of extremist violence.
The minister commended existing international programs, including the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism’s support initiatives and Germany’s assistance in developing tech-driven tools for victim support.
Looking ahead, Gen. Musa reaffirmed Nigeria’s willingness to share its operational expertise internationally ahead of the upcoming International Conference on Victims of Terrorism, scheduled to take place in Baghdad later this year.
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