Mohammed Idris: Sahel violence poses significant threat to Nigeria’s territorial integrity

• The minister opined that the root causes of violence in the Sahel, including socioeconomic marginalization, weak governance structures, environmental challenges, and organized crime.
• He added that the federal government is committed to addressing these underlying issues both domestically and in collaboration with international partners.

The minister of information and national orientation, Mohammed Idris, has reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity through enhanced investments in equipment, personnel, and intelligence gathering.

The minister spoke at the News Agency of Nigeria’s (NAN) first international conference in Abuja on Thursday.

Idris addressed the root causes of violence in the Sahel and its impact on Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

The conference brought together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to assess and propose solutions.

Idris acknowledged the Sahel region’s instability, violence, terrorism, and organized crime, affecting Nigeria due to porous borders.

“Nigeria shares a long and porous border with several Sahelian countries caught up in conflict, making us vulnerable to the spillover effects of the conflict,” he said.

” This not only threatens our security but also challenges our capacity to maintain effective control over our border.

“Experts attribute these challenges to socioeconomic marginalization, weak governance, environmental degradation, and transnational organized crime.”

Idris emphasized the federal government’s commitment to addressing these issues domestically and internationally.

“The violence in the Sahel is not an isolated issue, and no single country can tackle it alone,” Idris stated.

“Nigeria is strengthening joint military operations and supporting initiatives to stabilize the region.

“On the home front, security remains a top priority in President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, and through investments, we are winning the war against insecurity.”

Idris urged experts to dissect the root causes of armed conflicts and develop innovative solutions.

The First Annual NAN Lecture was attended by notable stakeholders, including former head of state General Abdulsalam Abubakar and Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas.

President Bola Tinubu was represented by National Security Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribadu.

Other dignitaries present included Chief of Defense Staff General Christopher Musa, Governor of Katsina State Alhaji Umar Dikko Radda, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Alhaji Atiku Bagudu, and Minister of Steel Development Alhaji Shuaibu Abubakar.