By Favour Chioma
Nigeria has called for stronger cooperation among African countries to tackle terrorism, transnational organised crime and emerging security threats confronting the continent.
The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, made the call while addressing an African Union (AU) security meeting that brought together Defence Ministers, Chiefs of Defence Staff and senior security officials from member states.
Matawalle stressed the need for African countries to strengthen collective efforts against security threats that increasingly cross national borders.
He said Nigeria remained committed to contributing to regional and continental peace-support operations, counter-terrorism initiatives and capacity-building programmes.
According to the minister, addressing Africa’s evolving security challenges requires sustained cooperation, shared responsibility and practical responses among member states.
He commended the leadership of the African Union and the African Union Sub-Committee on Terrorism, Defence, Security and Stability (STCDSS) for their contributions to peace, security and stability across the continent.
Matawalle also expressed hope that deliberations at the meeting would produce practical and sustainable approaches to Africa’s growing security challenges.
The meeting provided a platform for Defence Ministers, military chiefs and senior security officials from AU member states to examine collective responses to terrorism, transnational crime and other emerging threats affecting the continent.
The statement was signed by Queeneth Iheoma-Hart, Chief Information Officer, Information and Public Relations, Ministry of Defence.
