Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has called for a fundamental reset in global counterterrorism cooperation, warning that evolving threats now demand stronger trust-based intelligence sharing and collective security frameworks among nations.
Speaking at a high-level panel titled “Countering Terrorism: International Cooperation Reclaimed” during the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Türkiye, the minister addressed an audience of global leaders, policymakers and security experts, highlighting the increasing complexity of modern terrorism.
Musa cautioned that terrorist threats are no longer confined to traditional structures but are now driven by decentralised networks, emerging technologies and illicit financial systems. He noted a growing convergence between terrorism, organised crime and banditry, particularly across fragile regions such as the Sahel, where security challenges continue to spill across borders.
“No country, regardless of strength or capacity, can confront terrorism alone. Collective security must guide our response. Mistrust in intelligence-sharing frameworks remains a major barrier to effective cooperation,” Musa said.
He stressed that transparent, reciprocal and accountable intelligence-sharing mechanisms are critical to tackling the evolving threat landscape, especially as terrorist groups increasingly exploit encrypted communications, digital platforms and hybrid criminal networks to operate across jurisdictions.
Highlighting Nigeria’s efforts, the minister pointed to measurable gains achieved through sustained military operations, improved intelligence systems and stronger regional collaboration. He explained that Nigeria’s counterterrorism strategy has evolved beyond purely kinetic responses to a more comprehensive model that integrates governance, development and community engagement.
According to Musa, this approach is designed to address the root causes of extremism while ensuring long-term stability through reintegration and socio-economic interventions. The strategy, he said, reflects Nigeria’s commitment to aligning security operations with broader development goals.
