Nigeria leading West Africa’s fight against terrorism – Tuggar
Nigeria is leading the fight against terrorism in West Africa, taking on regional security challenges, says Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar.
Speaking at Chatham House in London, Tuggar addressed the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from ECOWAS, saying these countries have repeatedly rejected diplomatic efforts.
“Every time we extend an olive branch, they wield it as a stick to strike us,” he said, highlighting the difficulty in maintaining regional unity.
He warned of the increasing presence of Russian private security firms and jihadist groups in the Sahel, filling the void left by the departure of French and American forces.
With shifting power dynamics, terrorist groups are expanding their influence, making security threats more complex for the region.
Tuggar stressed that Nigeria remains committed to its regional responsibilities, ensuring that ECOWAS continues to play a crucial role despite challenges.
On irregular migration, he urged Europe to balance border control measures with investments in trade and financing to encourage people to remain in their home countries.
He called for a fair allocation of resources to address security and economic issues, reaffirming Nigeria’s role in defending West Africa.
