The flagship event of the High-Level Meeting on Counter-Terrorism in Africa, held in Abuja, showcased Nigeria’s strides in bolstering its counter-terrorism capacity. The country’s enactment of the Prevention and Prohibition of Terrorism Act and the establishment of the National Counter-Terrorism Center (NCTC) are key steps in enhancing its ability to identify, prevent, and respond to terrorist threats.
Tinubu emphasized the significance of regional collaboration and institution strengthening in combating the evolving terrorism landscape in Africa. The NCTC’s pivotal role in fostering increased cooperation among stakeholders and advocating for a unified approach in fighting terrorism was underscored.
The President emphasized the imperative of addressing the root causes of terrorism by promoting good governance, rule of law, justice, and inclusivity. He stressed the holistic nature of the fight against terrorism, highlighting the importance of tackling issues like poverty, marginalization, and social injustice to counter extremism.
Moreover, Tinubu drew attention to the link between illegal mining and terrorism financing on the continent, urging the international community to morally and legally support Africa in its battle against external terrorist financing.
He called for intensified collective action against terrorism, including the establishment of fully operational regional counterterrorism centers to enhance intelligence sharing, operational coordination, and regional capacity building.
In conclusion, the high-level meeting on countering terrorism in Africa in Abuja emphasized the criticality of regional cooperation, concerted efforts, and resource mobilization to effectively confront terrorist threats in the region.