Abuja: The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has called for the development of effective mechanisms to enhance the ability to prevent and counter the use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) by terrorist groups in West Africa. Ribadu made the call at the opening of the Stakeholders meeting on Consolidating Collaborative Efforts to Prevent and Counter the Acquisition and Use of IED by Terrorist Group in West Africa, on Tuesday in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ribadu was represented by Mohammed Sanusi, Permanent Secretary, Special Services, Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), at the event organised by the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum (GCTF). Ribadu emphasized that the threat of terrorism knows no bounds and highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts by critical stakeholders to effectively confront and defeat the menace. He urged participants to actively engage in discussions, share ideas, and work towards solutions that would help counter terrorism and protect communities in West Africa.
He acknowledged the dedication of partners in strengthening collective efforts to combat terrorism. 'This regional meeting serves as a platform for us to share knowledge, best practices, and experiences in addressing the threats of IEDs by bringing together representatives from ministries, departments, and agencies in Nigeria, as well as experts from the West Africa region, member states, and other relevant stakeholders. We aim to develop effective mechanisms to enhance our ability to prevent and counter the use of IEDs. The recommendations that will emerge from this meeting are vital in shaping our strategies and initiatives to safeguard our communities from IEDs,' he said.
The Ambassador of Algeria to Nigeria, Hocine Mezoued, stressed the necessity for African countries to take adequate measures to effectively fight terrorism. He noted that these measures should not only focus on the prevention and dismantling of IEDs but also on proactive and preventive actions aimed at deconstructing them and promoting coordination and cooperation. Mezoued highlighted the importance of adapting to new threats driven by technological progress and called for an integrated approach that combines security measures with sustainable development initiatives.
He also referenced the debate at the United Nations Security Council on the fight against terrorism in Africa, which served to raise awareness of the rise of terrorism in Africa and emphasized the need for a global response. Mezoued reiterated the importance of international commitment in combating the use of improvised explosive devices and highlighted the role of the United Nations General Assembly's resolution 79-53 of 2024 in emphasizing training and regional strategies.
The German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annette Gunther, represented by the Head of Political Division, Mathias Dold, addressed the global trend of weaponizing commercial drones, which jeopardizes progress made in stabilizing regions. He noted that the meeting's agenda builds on the Working Group's regional meeting of 2023, which focused on strengthening counter-IED expertise, disrupting supply chains, and enhancing intelligence.
Dold commended the Government of Nigeria for hosting the event and acknowledged the support of the German Government and the European Union in non-kinetic efforts to prevent and counter violent extremism. He emphasized the mutual interest shared by Germany and West African countries in ensuring security and stability in the region, highlighting the necessity of a comprehensive approach under African leadership, with international support and adherence to the rule of law and human rights.