Odita Sunday 
Nigeria has called for urgent trust-based global cooperation to confront the fast-changing threat of terrorism, warning that no country regardless of military strength or resources can single-handedly defeat modern extremist networks.
The charge was delivered by the Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), during a high-level panel session titled Countering Terrorism: International Cooperation Reclaimed at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2026 in Türkiye.
Representing Nigeria at the global gathering of world leaders, policymakers and security experts, General Musa said terrorism has become more dangerous, adaptive and borderless, fuelled by decentralised cells, illicit financing, emerging technologies and encrypted digital platforms. He warned that the growing link between terrorism, organised crime and banditry especially across fragile regions like the Sahel requires immediate and coordinated international action.
“No country, regardless of strength or capacity, can confront terrorism alone. Collective security must guide our response,” the Defence Minister declared.
General Musa noted that while many nations have invested in military capacity-building, the greatest obstacle to defeating terrorism remains the lack of trust in intelligence sharing among countries. According to him, transparent, reciprocal and accountable intelligence frameworks are critical to building confidence and dismantling transnational terror networks.
Highlighting Nigeria’s progress, the Minister said the country has recorded measurable gains through sustained military offensives, improved intelligence systems and stronger regional partnerships. He added that Nigeria continues to play a leading role in multinational security platforms such as the Multinational Joint Task Force, the Regional Intelligence Fusion Unit and the Committee of Intelligence and Security Services.
He stressed that Nigeria’s counterterrorism strategy goes beyond battlefield operations by combining security actions with governance reforms, development initiatives and community engagement aimed at addressing the root causes of violent extremism.
As terrorists increasingly exploit technology and criminal alliances, General Musa urged nations to respond faster through innovation, deeper intelligence integration and stronger global partnerships.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to international collaboration in the war against terror, saying unity of purpose and shared responsibility remain the surest path to a safer and more stable world.
The Minister also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support for Nigeria’s national security efforts.
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