Defence Ministers Pledge to Boost Collaboration Against Terrorism at IMCTC Meeting
Defence Ministers of the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) have pledged to enhance cooperation in the fight against terrorism.
Since the emergence of Boko Haram in 2009 in Nigeria’s North East, Nigeria has formed coalitions with various partners to combat the group, which has expanded its operations to other parts of the Northern states.
The increasing threat posed by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Boko Haram, and other emerging security challenges like banditry and kidnapping has led to a growing defence partnership between Nigeria and other countries to address these threats.
IMCTC, established by Saudi Arabia in December 2015, aims to unite countries with common interests in the fight against terrorism and terrorist organizations.
A meeting of Defence Ministers was held on February 3, 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to discuss strategies, initiatives, and plans to coordinate and support military operations against terrorism, as well as counter-terrorism financing and ideology.
Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, attended the meeting with fellow defence ministers to discuss strategies and share intelligence to dismantle terrorist networks and disrupt their operations in Nigeria and the Sahel region.
The meeting focused on strengthening ties and forming a united front to effectively combat the escalating threat of terrorism worldwide.
Minister Bello Mohammed Matawalle stated, “The threat of terrorism continues to evolve, becoming more complex and widespread. It is imperative that we, as a coalition, stand side by side, combining our resources and expertise to protect our nations and maintain global security.”
Key points from the meeting include enhanced intelligence sharing, joint military training exercises, counter-terrorism financing, and coordination of humanitarian support.
The meeting concluded with a unified declaration to take all necessary measures to prevent acts of terrorism and protect the lives and freedoms of individuals worldwide.
The ministers pledged to strengthen their existing cooperation, emphasizing that only through solidarity can the global community hope to eliminate the scourge of terrorism.
They also discussed the objectives of these initiatives and their role in supporting member countries in their fight against terrorism, violence, and extremism.
Nigeria was represented at the meeting by Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle. The Minister, a former Governor of Zamfara State, shared Nigeria’s real-life experiences with the hope of finding lasting solutions to the country’s security challenges.
The Guardian
