By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Nigeria has called for support for the immediate activation and operationalisation of a continent-wide force, African Standby Force to assist in the fight against violent crimes and terrorism on the continent.
Nigeria’s position was advanced by the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru on Sunday while addressing the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79) in the US, where he also reiterated Nigeria’s longstanding commitment to international peace and security.
The Minister while highlighting the need to build professional African armies also called for comprehensive strategies to tackle transnational crime and illegal arms trafficking, particularly in the Sahel region.
Heritage Times HT recalls that Nigeria has consistently drummed support for standby force both at the regional and continental levels as terror attacks especially from Islamist fighters escalate.
In July, President Bola Tinubu urged the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) regional bloc to support efforts to fully activate its anti-terrorism force, the ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF), appealing for financial commitment in line with recommendations of ministers of defence and finance.
“As we move to operationalise the ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF) in combating terrorism, I must emphasise that the success of this plan requires not only strong political will but also substantial financial resources,” Tinubu who was re-elected chairman of the bloc told a gathering in Abuja.
Reinforcing the West African nation’s position at the UN General Assembly, the Defence Minister said, “We recognize the need for Africa to build strong and professional armies, to, among other things, defeat terrorism.
“Nigeria, calls for the operationalization of the African Standby Force (ASF), and the provision of requisite support and resources to ensure the upgrade, take off and effectiveness of a centre of excellence in Africa on issues of counter-terrorism.
“We reiterate the call to strengthen regional and sub-regional cooperation, build capacities of Member States, promote cooperation and understanding, as well as defuse tensions, and seek a peaceful settlement of disputes to resolve conflicts, especially in the Middle East and Ukraine”.
He expressed Nigeria’s commitment to combating transnational organised crime, noting the urgent need for comprehensive strategies that include prevention, early detection, protection, and law enforcement to address the rising alliances between bandits and terrorists.
He also called for increased efforts in addressing transnational organized crime and related illegal financial flows through comprehensive strategies, including prevention, early detection, protection and law enforcement, especially in the wake of the emerging alliance between bandits and terrorists, including kidnapping for ransom and acts of piracy.
“We seize this opportunity to urge the international community to renew efforts to stem the tide of small arms and light weapons in conflict, especially within the Sahel region where unfettered access by non-state actors to illicit arms and light weapons continues to foster insecurity and instability”, he said.
Badaru concluded by reaffirming Nigeria’s dedication to supporting UN efforts in combating terrorism and promoting global peace.
