By Nathaniel Adoji
In an era where terrorism and transnational crime remain pervasive global threats, Nigeria is taking a proactive stance against insecurity. The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle MON, recently underscored the country’s commitment with a strategic visit to Saudi Arabia. The visit, centered on engagements with the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC), marked a crucial step in reinforcing Nigeria’s role in global counterterrorism efforts and securing international cooperation in the fight against insecurity.
As the world grapples with heightened terrorist activities, Nigeria has made notable strides in combatting insurgency and criminality. Recent military operations have significantly degraded threats posed by Boko Haram, ISWAP, and banditry in Northern Nigeria. Yet, sustaining these gains requires collaboration beyond national borders. Dr. Matawalle’s visit comes at a time when global partnerships are increasingly pivotal to dismantling terrorism networks and addressing the root causes of insecurity.
The IMCTC, headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is a multilateral coalition of 41 member states dedicated to combating terrorism. Since its inception in 2015, the coalition has focused on ideological, media, financial, and military dimensions of counterterrorism. Its initiatives include training programs, intelligence sharing, and fostering international cooperation, making it an invaluable ally for Nigeria.
The IMCTC’s achievements range from capacity-building programs to comprehensive research outputs that raise awareness of extremist threats. For Nigeria, being part of this coalition means access to cutting-edge technologies, modern training, and an expansive intelligence network—tools essential for eradicating insecurity.
During his visit to the IMCTC headquarters, Dr. Matawalle held high-level discussions with Major General Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Moghedi, the coalition’s Secretary-General. The minister expressed Nigeria’s gratitude for the training programs extended to the Nigerian Armed Forces, which have significantly enhanced their counterterrorism capabilities. He called for periodic training and greater support in areas such as forensic expertise and intelligence sharing.
Dr. Matawalle emphasized the importance of localizing modern technologies to strengthen Nigeria’s armed forces, a sentiment echoed during his discussions on bilateral military cooperation with Saudi officials. The minister also highlighted Nigeria’s plans to nominate delegates for secondment to the IMCTC, further deepening ties and enhancing collaboration.
The visit reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment to contributing resources to the coalition’s operations, ensuring its sustainability and effectiveness. Beyond immediate military benefits, these engagements signify a broader vision: positioning Nigeria as a regional leader in counterterrorism and a model for African-Arab collaboration.
Dr. Matawalle’s proactive approach aligns with his record of delivering results. His leadership recently spearheaded operations that neutralized key bandit leaders in Northern Nigeria, showcasing a combination of strategy, community collaboration, and international partnership.
Dr. Bello Matawalle’s visit to Saudi Arabia not only spotlighted Nigeria’s resolve to combat terrorism but also underscored the importance of global alliances in addressing shared challenges. By fostering closer ties with the IMCTC and other partners, Nigeria is poised to strengthen its military capabilities, ensure long-term stability, and contribute meaningfully to global security.
As the fight against insecurity continues, the minister’s efforts symbolize a crucial blend of diplomacy and military strategy, reaffirming Nigeria’s role as a key player in the global counterterrorism landscape.
Nathaniel Adoji is a public commentator and researcher.