FG Calls for Regional Collaboration to Tackle Cross-Border Terrorism

FG Calls for Regional Collaboration to Tackle Cross-Border Terrorism

The Federal Government has called for a coordinated regional approach to confront the growing threat of cross-border terrorism, warning that the influx of armed groups from the Sahel continues to put pressure on security, especially in the North-East.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made this known on Thursday in Abuja while receiving the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), Abdullahi Usman Bello, during a courtesy visit.

He said the changing dynamics of insecurity, marked by the movement of terrorist elements across national borders, require stronger collaboration among neighbouring countries. According to him, Nigeria has intensified diplomatic engagements to build a united front against the threat.

Idris disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is already engaging regional leaders, including the President of Chad, as part of efforts to curb the activities of criminal groups operating within the Sahel belt and spilling into Nigeria’s territory.

“Fighting cross-border crime is not a one-country affair,” the minister said, noting that intelligence sharing and joint security operations are critical to stemming the tide.

He reiterated that the protection of lives and property remains a top priority for the government, adding that security agencies are being supported to respond effectively to emerging threats.

The minister also expressed concern over the activities of extremist groups, condemning attempts to impose violent ideologies on communities. He described such acts as a grave danger to national unity and peaceful coexistence.

Beyond security, the meeting highlighted the need to strengthen ethical standards in governance through closer collaboration between the ministry and the Code of Conduct Bureau.

Idris observed that many Nigerians still have a limited understanding of the bureau’s preventive role, often associating it mainly with prosecution and enforcement. He stressed that the agency is designed to ensure compliance and discourage misconduct before it occurs.

He called for sustained public enlightenment campaigns to deepen awareness about accountability in public service, noting that education and enforcement must go hand in hand.

The minister assured the bureau of the ministry’s support through its agencies, including the National Orientation Agency, Nigerian Television Authority and the News Agency of Nigeria, to amplify its programmes and outreach.

He also urged public office holders to comply fully with asset declaration laws, warning that ignorance would not shield defaulters from sanctions.

Earlier, Bello said the visit was aimed at fostering stronger synergy with the ministry to promote transparency and ethical conduct in government.

He outlined plans for joint initiatives, including nationwide sensitisation campaigns, training programmes and media engagement, expressing optimism that such collaboration would strengthen integrity across public institutions.

The government’s renewed push for both regional security cooperation and improved governance standards comes amid ongoing efforts to stabilise vulnerable areas and restore public confidence in state institutions.