The Federal Government of Nigeria has joined forces with the United States (US) and 82 other countries in a global alliance, with a view to reinforcing the fight against global terrorism perpetrated by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, (ISIS), especially in the African continent.
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd), who led Nigerias delegation to meet the Global Coalition in Morocco on Wednesday, disclosed this in an issued statement issued in Abuja.
The statement, signed by the Head, Strategic Communications, Office of the National Security Adviser, Zakari Usman, explained that the Coalition is determined to defeat ISIS through both military and civilian-led efforts.
He said the 83-member alliance led by the US will sustain pressure on ISIS remnants in Iraq and Syria to counter its global networks, especially in Africa where it has been undermining national security through the proliferation of affiliates.
Usman, who quoted a joint communiqu issued by Ministers of the Global Coalition, said, Civilian-led efforts, including prevention, stabilisation, countering terrorist-financing, counter-narratives and foreign terrorist fighter prosecution, rehabilitation and reintegration, are increasingly necessary to achieve the lasting defeat of ISIS.
The statement added: “The Coalition acknowledges that, despite significant setbacks suffered by ISIS leadership in recent times, the group continues to conduct attacks in Iraq and Syria and represents an ongoing threat”.
“The Coalition recognises the need to meet the evolving threat of ISIS in Africa and therefore welcomes the first three Africa Focus Group meetings, which took place in Brussels, Rome, and Marrakesh.
“The Africa Focus Group, the Coalition believes, will bolster the civilian-led counterterrorism capabilities of African members by drawing from experiences in Iraq and Syria and by fostering synergies with other existing international, sub-regional and regional counterterrorism efforts and initiatives”, he stated.
