By Harriet Tornguvan
...urges global community to intensify efforts to combat the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the Sahel region...
Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar Badaru, has reiterated the country's strong commitment to backing the United Nations in its mission to uphold international peace and security.
During the summit of the future at the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York, Badaru underscored Nigeria’s long-standing contributions to global peacekeeping efforts, which began with its involvement in the Congo crisis in 1960.
The Minister highlighted Nigeria's active participation in peacekeeping missions, noting its provision of troops, financial support, logistical assistance, and civilian expertise to countries across Africa, including Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Mali, and Côte d'Ivoire.
He also emphasized Nigeria's pivotal role in promoting regional security and stability within West Africa and the Sahel.
Badaru called on the United Nations Security Council to ensure fair and permanent representation for Africa, stressing that this would enhance global peace, inclusivity, and trust, while contributing to lasting security.
Touching on the rise of new security threats, the Minister called for integrated approaches to prevent and combat these challenges. He particularly stressed the importance of halting illicit financial flows, which fuel criminal activities such as kidnapping, banditry, and the trafficking of small arms and light weapons.
“We appeal to the international community to step up efforts in tackling these pressing security concerns,” Badaru urged.
