Nigeria's Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has urged the international community to provide long-term support to victims and survivors of terrorism. Speaking at the Ministerial Meeting of the Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, General Musa emphasized the need for sustained action beyond short-term humanitarian relief. He highlighted the devastating impact of terrorism on the African continent, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa.
According to General Musa, Sub-Saharan Africa accounted for approximately 60 percent of global terrorism deaths in 2025. He noted that behind these statistics are families displaced, livelihoods destroyed, communities fractured, and lives permanently changed. The Minister stressed that it is essential to translate the identified priorities and needs of victims into sustained action. Nigeria, he said, has made significant efforts in domestic counter-terrorism and justice.
General Musa revealed that Nigeria has secured 865 terrorism-related convictions in 2026 alone, demonstrating a commitment to accountability. He also highlighted Nigeria's comprehensive post-rescue support for victims, including medical care, psychosocial rehabilitation, economic aid, and community reintegration. The Minister emphasized that Nigeria continues to prioritize the liberation of captives.
To strengthen international cooperation, General Musa presented a three-point framework. The framework includes Enhanced Peer Learning, Inclusive Partnerships, and Targeted UN Support. He advocated for establishing institutional mechanisms for Member States to share operational models, referral systems, and lessons learned. This, he believes, will ensure meaningful survivor participation in justice and rehabilitation efforts.
General Musa also emphasized the importance of building direct feedback channels and working partnerships among national authorities, civil society, and victims' associations. 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).
The Minister expressed optimism for the upcoming International Conference on Victims of Terrorism scheduled to take place in Baghdad, Iraq, in the fourth quarter of 2026. He reaffirmed Nigeria's readiness to share expertise and collaborate internationally. General Musa's call for sustained global support for victims of terrorism resonated with international delegates at the meeting.
The meeting, co-convened by Spain and Iraq, brought together international delegates to discuss the plight of victims of terrorism. General Musa's statement was conveyed by his media aide, Leah Katung-Babatunde. The Defence Minister's participation in the meeting underscores Nigeria's commitment to addressing the scourge of terrorism and its impact on victims and survivors.
Key points
- Nigeria's Defence Minister calls for sustained global support for victims of terrorism
- Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for 60% of global terrorism deaths
- Nigeria has secured 865 terrorism-related convictions in 2026 alone
