African Security: Nigeria Leads from the Front

Edward Gabkwet

In a statement on 21 January 2025 at the end of its 9842nd meeting, the United Nation Security Council (UNSC), through the Deputy Secretary-General, Dr Amina J. Mohammed, reiterated what has since become the new security reality confronting the African continent: that terrorism is the most significant threat to peace, security and sustainable development across the African continent. 

According to her, Africa has become the epicentre of global terrorism, with Sub-Saharan Africa accounting for 59 per cent of all terrorism-related deaths worldwide. She also revealed that in the last 3 years, terrorism-related deaths have soared past 6,000, making up more than half of all global fatalities.

In this surge of the deadly scourge, she further revealed, Burkina Faso led the world in terrorism deaths with a staggering 68 per cent increase with no solution in sight. Painting an even austere picture of the threat’s complexity, Dr Amina Mohammed further noted that Al-Qaida and Da’esh affiliate groups such as Al-Shabaab in Somalia, the Allied Democratic Forces in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Ahlu Sunna Wal Jama in Mozambique, continue to unleash horrific violence.  

These groups, according to her, are not only terrorizing communities but also inflicting unspeakable acts of sexual and gender-based violence, assaulting children and forcibly recruiting them into their ranks. 

She then warned that the marginalization of youths, coupled with soaring unemployment, has left an entire generation vulnerable to being recruited byextremist groups. To confront the situation, she recommended evolving new strategies and innovative approaches to counter the scourge with, “regional cooperation as the linchpin of any effective counter-terrorism strategy”. 

Similar worries were voiced by the African Union through its Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Bankole Adeoye. According to Adeoye, the gravity of the threats via the exponential growth of terrorism in Africa is overwhelming and startling, with over 3,400 terrorists’ attacks recorded on the continent in 2024 alone resulting in over 13,900 fatalities. He then advocated for African leaders to proffer, “African solutions to African problems that works for all.”

Nigeria’s past approach to regional and sub-regional security have propelled her to the centre stage of African affairs in general and in West African security matters in particular. Her commitment to regional integration in the areas of peace, defence and security has been crucial to the successes recorded so far in these areas. 

The size of its large population, its market, enormous natural resources as well as its considerable military capabilities rightfully bestow on Nigeria the role of a regional hegemony. Over the past decade or so, the security challenges posed by terrorists and insurgents operating in the Northern region have tested the resolve of Nigeria’s Armed Forces.

 However, through sheer determination and collaboration with militaries of contiguous nations, these threats have been largely contained, albeit with pockets of attacks on soft targets. Precision air strikes by the Nigerian Air Force in the early hours of 23 August 2025, on terrorists’ hideouts at Kumshe near the Nigeria-Cameroun Border in Borno State, Northeast Nigeria, as well as the recent arrest of 2 key leaders of the Ansaru terrorist group, Abu Baraa, the group’s Amir (leader), and Mahmuda, the deputy Amir, are strong pointers to the gains of close synergy and collaboration between the various security agencies as well as with neighbouring countries to jointly eliminate the common threats of terrorism.

Therefore, Nigeria’s experience in counterterrorism operations as well as the renewed vigour emplaced to checkmate the nefarious activities of terrorists aptly qualifies her to lead the call for a united African front in the fight against terrorism on the continent. 

The gathering of the Chiefs of Defence Staff (CDS) from the 54 African countries at the Maiden African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit in Abuja to fashion out Africa-led solutions to the continent’s myriads of security challenges is therefore apt and could not have come at a more auspicious time. Without doubt, it tallies with the growing consensus that Africa is stronger when it comes together, act with a shared purpose and partner with each other in the right way, to solve shared and common challenges. 

It also aligns with the notion that fragmentation of counter-terrorism efforts only serves the perpetrators who thrive by sowing divisions, hence the need for a united and urgent response focused on fostering unity of purpose, dialogue, trust and coordinated action. This is beside the well-known fact that the dynamic and transnational nature of terrorism reinforces one truth: a threat to security anywhere is a threat to security everywhere.

Accordingly, the Summit presents an avenue for the CDS’ to engage in dialogue on shared defence and security mechanisms to enhance defence capabilities amongst their various nations. With the theme, “Combating Contemporary Threats to Regional Peace and Security in Africa: The Role of Strategic Defence Collaborations,” the Summit would cover 4 thematic areas, including: Initiating Discussions on Collective Strategies for African Security Issues; Facilitating Collaborative Response to Peace and Security Issues in Africa; Developing Mechanisms for Integrating the Private Sector into Africa’s Defence Efforts; and Establishing a Roundtable for the Initiation of Homegrown Solutions to Africa’s Defence Needs. It is equally good that the Summit will highlight Africa’s R&D and defence capabilities through an exhibition to hold on the sideline of the Summit.

At this point, Nigeria’s CDS, General Christopher Gwabin Musa and his team must be commended for initiating the Summit and seeing to its realization. The Summit, currently underway in Abuja, further cements Nigeria’s enviable position in championing Africa’s unity and leading from the front. 

But beyond the optics, much more would be expected out of this Summit in terms of tangible strategies and solutions to change the tides against terrorists operating on the continent. Finally, this positive momentum must be encouraged and sustained because the cost and damages that terrorism and insurgency inflict to African nations and societies are monumental and debilitating.

*Gabkwet, a serving Airman and former NAF spokesperson, writes from Abuja.

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    Telcos  Urged to Guide against Mast Collapse, Noise Pollution  in Osun

    Telcos  Urged to Guide against Mast Collapse, Noise Pollution  in Osun

    Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

    Telecommunications companies currently operating in Osun State have been admonished to guide against the rampant falling of masts, oil spillages on mast sites, and noisy power-generating sets.

    Speaking with journalists in Osogbo yesterday on the importance of environmental impact assessment reports for masts in the state, Ms. Morenike George-Taylor, director of Operations and Project Management at Global Transactions Nigeria Limited, explained that the rate of mast falling in the state and the noisy pollution is too alarming.

    According to her, “We hear the news of masts falling, oil spillages on mast sites, and noisy generators. Protecting the environment, whether from noise pollution, contamination, or otherwise, is something that should concern us all.

    “It’s about keeping our homes, our families, and our future safe. In Osun State, the telecommunications industry has grown rapidly, bringing us better connectivity and opening doors for economic opportunities. However, with this growth also comes the responsibility to make sure that our progress does not harm the environment or the people who live in our communities.

    “We have had incidents where masts are falling, and this has an impact on the host community. This is why we have NESREA and why telecommunications companies are required to carry out Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) before masts are erected.”

    Ms. George-Taylor narrated that this was also where the Osun State Environmental Protection Law of 2022 (as amended) comes in, saying that the law emphasises that every telecommunications project, like the installation of masts, must follow proper procedures, including carrying out an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). “An EIA is not just a formality; it is a careful study to make sure projects are safe, sustainable, and beneficial for everyone,” she stated.

    She further opined that: “Telecommunication companies play an important role in our daily lives. But as they build, they also need to think about the safety of the people living near these structures and the long-term impact on the environment.

    “That’s why the Environmental Impact Assessment is so important, as it protects lives, property, and ensures that development benefits everyone, not just today but for generations to come.

    “Oversight of telecommunications infrastructure in Osun State lies with the Ministry of Environment and Sanitation, but collaboration extends beyond the state.

    The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has the direct responsibility for ensuring Environmental Impact Assessments are carried out and properly enforced across Nigeria.

    “Alongside NESREA, the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) plays a key role in regulating the telecommunications sector to ensure that safety, compliance, and quality are upheld.”

    George-Taylor further noted: “We want companies to see compliance as an opportunity, not a burden. By working with NESREA, the NCC, and the state Ministry of Environment, they can build trust, protect the environment, and strengthen their businesses.”

    She said that at the end, “everyone wins-the people, the government, and the industry- but unfortunately, while some telecommunications companies have impeccable compliance records, others do not bother complying with the law, which has far-reaching implications. We call on all non-compliant organisations to comply with the laws on EIA.”

    The director remarked that there is a need for states to partner with NESREA to effectively monitor telecommunications infrastructure within the state and ensure compliance with the laws. This is the only way to achieve a win–win situation for all parties involved. She further advised that environmental protection should be at the heart of telecommunications growth in Osun State by following the Osun State Environmental Protection Law of 2022 (as amended), and by respecting NESREA’s direct responsibility for Environmental Impact Assessments, while also engaging with the NCC, telecommunication companies can achieve sustainable growth.

    “This way, they safeguard the environment, protect public health, and build stronger, more trusted relationships with the communities they serve,” she said.

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    Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo Telecommunications companies currently operating in Osun State have been admonished to guide against the rampant falling of masts, oil spillages on mast sites, and noisy power-generating sets.
    The post Telcos  Urged to Guide against Mast Collapse, Noise Pollution  in Osun appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

    Origin Tech Chair Urges Nigerians to Key into Tinubu’s  Agric Sector Vision

    Origin Tech Chair Urges Nigerians to Key into Tinubu’s  Agric Sector Vision

    Raheem Akingbolu

    The Executive Chairman of Origin Tech Group Nigeria, Prince Samuel Joseph Samuel, has admonished Nigerians to key into President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of agricultural revolution captured in his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and as encapsulated in the Greener Hope Agricultural Productivity Programme (GHAPP) as a catalyst for unlocking the nation’s economic potentials. 

    Samuel reiterated this position while receiving the Governing Council members of the Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU-Ile-Ife, led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Adebayo Simeon Bamire,  in continuation of talks around developing robust partnership between the university and  the group.  

    Samuel said: “Agriculture is key to Nigeria’s growth potential.” 

    “In driving Nigeria’s economic  development. Agriculture value-chain presents an opportunity that can easily transform Nigeria’s economy into an engine room of prosperity through partnerships, strategic investment, strong governance, and sustainable practices and as such the pivotal role of tertiary institutions such as OAU is very important.

    “The 21st century had opened new vistas for economic growth, and with agriculture now in its ascendancy, commercial large-scale farming and its value-chain stand out as the most promising tool for economic enhancement. Describing large-scale agriculture as the sustainable use of innovation, mechanisation, irrigation, water resources amongst other components for growth of food systems, market re-organisation, job creation, and improved livelihoods”, Samuel said: “Nigeria was strategically positioned to benefit immensely.” 

    “The Nigerian population continues to grow at nearly  three per cent  per annum with a projection of 378 million by 2050, and with nearly 70 per cent of its population are under the age of 30 leading to increasing urbanization and invariably an increase in food demand. Ensuring food security requires value chain that connects rural and urban areas so that the expected high demand for food is achieved. Hence, the role of stakeholders including institutions like OAU generating ideas, producing skilled manpower and boosting capacity is crucial towards achieving this food challenge.”

    Responding, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Adebayo Simeon Bamire commended Prince Samuel and Origin Tech Group for the laudable and innovative focus that they are employing in solving societal challenges especially around food systems transformation. He submitted and agreed that we all should return to the farms as the panacea to solving our multifarious economic challenges.

    Bamire showed enthusiasm in the various works and projects being embarked upon by the company and affirmed that partnering with an organisation such as the Origin Tech Group is valuable given the abundant technical skills, access to resources, longevity in the agriculture space will provide the right kind of impetus to the future industry leaders we are currently training.  He thanked the Chairman and management of Origin Tech Nigeria for their willingness to enter into this partnership and expressed his commitment and team to ensure its success. 

    The post Origin Tech Chair Urges Nigerians to Key into Tinubu’s  Agric Sector Vision appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

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    Raheem Akingbolu The Executive Chairman of Origin Tech Group Nigeria, Prince Samuel Joseph Samuel, has admonished Nigerians to key into President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of agricultural revolution captured in
    The post Origin Tech Chair Urges Nigerians to Key into Tinubu’s  Agric Sector Vision appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

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