Islamic Alliance and Nigeria: Strategic talks on combating terrorism in Riyadh
In a move reflecting the depth of strategic relations and mutual concern for enhancing regional and international security and stability, the Secretary-General of the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition, Major General Pilot Staff Officer Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Mughaidi, received today at the Coalition’s headquarters in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, the Military Attaché of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the Kingdom, Brigadier General Kabir Imam, and his accompanying delegation.
This visit comes at a crucial time, requiring concerted international efforts to address growing security challenges. During the meeting, discussions focused on ways to enhance cooperation between the Alliance and the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The talks specifically addressed mechanisms for combating terrorism and violent extremism, as well as strategies for capacity building and the exchange of expertise in military, intellectual, and media fields, all aimed at supporting member states' efforts and strengthening their security systems.
The importance of Nigeria's role in the African continent
These talks are of particular importance given Nigeria's strategic location as one of the largest countries on the African continent and its political and military weight in West Africa. Nigeria faces complex security challenges, including the activities of extremist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), making cooperation with the Islamic Military Alliance a cornerstone of its national defense and security strategy. The exchange of intelligence and tactical expertise is an integral part of the fight against these organizations, which threaten civil peace.
Pillars of the Islamic Alliance's work
In a related context, Major General Al-Mughaidi commended the active role played by the Federal Republic of Nigeria within the framework of joint action in the Alliance. The Secretary-General affirmed the Islamic Alliance's commitment to expanding partnerships and coordination with member states, in line with its strategic objectives, which are based on four main areas of work: the intellectual sphere, the media sphere, combating the financing of terrorism, and the military sphere. This comprehensive approach aims to dismantle the infrastructure of terrorism and dry up its intellectual and financial resources.
Enhancing security preparedness and integration
For his part, the Nigerian military attaché, Brigadier General Kabir Imam, expressed his deep appreciation for the efforts of the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He commended the coalition's programs and initiatives, which directly contribute to enhancing combat and intellectual readiness and strengthening cooperation among member states to confront transnational threats.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides emphasized the importance of continued cooperation and joint coordination to address current and future security challenges. This meeting is part of a series of periodic meetings held by the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition with the military attachés of member states, aimed at strengthening collective action and unifying visions and efforts to eradicate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and to ensure a secure and stable future for Muslim nations and the world at large.
