National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, on Tuesday, disclosed that combating terrorism, violent extremism, cybercrime, organised criminal networks, illicit financial flows, foreign information manipulation and interference, and the growing sophistication of transnational criminal organisations require cooperation from trusted partners.
The NSA stated this while speaking in Abuja during the 4th “UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership” (SDP4) dialogue attended by top officials in the nation’s intelligence community.
He declared that no nation can address those threats alone, as effective responses require coordinated action across defence, intelligence, law enforcement, diplomacy, cyber capabilities, and financial tools.
He said terrorist and criminal networks operating within Nigeria’s borders have been significantly degraded, but the country is mindful that these threats are dynamic, adaptive, and increasingly technology-driven.
According to him, “Nigeria remains firmly committed to confronting these challenges through a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.”
The NSA added that the interconnected nature of those challenges means that regional insecurity increasingly carries global implications, pledging Nigeria’s continued leadership role in security in Africa, and working with partners to strengthen regional stability, promote democratic governance, and build collective resilience against shared threats.
According to him, “We therefore welcome continued international coordination and partnership in addressing these challenges.”
“Counterterrorism remains a central pillar of our partnership. Nigeria appreciates the support provided by the United Kingdom in strengthening our crisis response capabilities, disrupting terrorist financing networks, enhancing investigations, and supporting strategic communications.
“We are particularly encouraged by ongoing cooperation aimed at strengthening the National Counter Terrorism Centre and advancing sustainable counterterrorism measures.”
“Our defence cooperation has also continued to expand through capacity-building initiatives, operational support, doctrine development, special operations capabilities, maritime security cooperation, and strategic communications. We welcome continued collaboration aimed at enhancing the professionalism, effectiveness, and interoperability of our security institutions.”
Mallam Ribadu pointed out that the evolving security situation in West Africa and the wider Sahel region continues to demand close attention. Violent extremism, unconstitutional changes of government, transnational organised crime, arms trafficking, and humanitarian pressures pose serious threats to regional stability.
In his remarks, the United Kingdom’s National Security Adviser, Mr Jonathan Powell, reiterated the commitment to supporting Nigeria in tackling its security challenges.
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According to him, “We have immense respect for Nigeria’s leadership role within the country, across the region, and throughout the African continent.
“We recognise the significant security challenges Nigeria faces, particularly in combating terrorism, disrupting illicit financial networks, protecting civilians and strengthening national resilience. These are challenges we all face, but they are especially acute in this region.”
He stated that the UK currently has military personnel in Maiduguri supporting Nigerian forces in their efforts to confront terrorism and insecurity ravaging the region.
According to him, “We have counterterrorism specialists working with Nigerian law enforcement agencies, and we continue to support the National Counter Terrorism Centre in strengthening its capabilities, including the development of forensic and investigative capacities that enhance the ability to respond to terrorist incidents with greater precision and effectiveness.”
The SDP4 dialogue is expected to focus on issues relating to national and regional leadership in an increasingly complex security environment.
The first UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership (SDP4) dialogue was held in London in 2022.
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