Nigeria's Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, has urged the international community to provide long-term support to victims of terrorism, going beyond immediate humanitarian aid. Speaking at the Ministerial Meeting of the Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism in New York, Musa emphasized the devastating impact of terrorism on the African continent. He noted that sub-Saharan Africa accounted for approximately 60 percent of global terrorism deaths in 2025.
Musa highlighted the human cost of terrorism, citing families displaced, livelihoods destroyed, and communities fractured. He stressed the need to translate the identified priorities and needs of victims into sustained action. The minister's remarks were conveyed through his special assistant on Media, Leah Katung-Babatunde. Musa also showcased Nigeria's domestic efforts to combat terrorism and ensure justice, revealing 865 terrorism-related convictions in 2026 alone.
The Minister presented a three-point framework to strengthen international cooperation in addressing terrorism. This framework includes Enhanced Peer Learning, Inclusive Partnerships, and Targeted UN Support. Musa advocated for institutional mechanisms to share operational models, referral systems, and lessons learned among Member States. He emphasized the importance of honest assessments of approaches that failed to produce intended outcomes.
Musa also stressed the need for meaningful survivor participation in justice and rehabilitation efforts. He proposed building direct feedback channels and working partnerships among national authorities, civil society, and victims' associations. This, he believes, will ensure that the needs and priorities of victims are taken into account.
The Minister called for expanded United Nations technical assistance, capacity-building, and resource mobilisation tailored to countries bearing the heaviest burdens of terrorism. He commended the United Nations Office on Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) for its initiatives, including the Global Victims of Terrorism Support Programme and the Victims of Terrorism Associations Network (VoTAN).
Musa expressed Nigeria's readiness to share expertise and collaborate internationally in addressing terrorism. He welcomed the upcoming International Conference on Victims of Terrorism scheduled to take place in Baghdad, Iraq, in the fourth quarter of 2026. The conference is expected to bring together stakeholders to discuss ways to support victims of terrorism.
Nigeria's efforts to combat terrorism and support victims have been multifaceted. The country has prioritised the liberation of captives and provided comprehensive post-rescue support, including medical care, psychosocial rehabilitation, economic aid, and community reintegration. Musa's call for a survivor-centred approach to global terrorism response reflects Nigeria's commitment to addressing the complex needs of victims.
Key points
- Nigeria's Defence Minister calls for sustained global support for terrorism victims
- The African continent bears a disproportionate impact of terrorism, with sub-Saharan Africa accounting for 60 percent of global terrorism deaths in 2025
- Nigeria has secured 865 terrorism-related convictions in 2026 alone, demonstrating a commitment to accountability
