Terrorism Threat: Nigeria’s Dr Zainab Gimba urges ECOWAS to strengthen security cooperation (Videos)
A Nigerian lawmaker presented a motion at the ECOWAS Parliament’s first ordinary session, calling for member states to increase funding for the Multinational Joint Task Force in the Lake Chad region and deploy rapid-response teams to high-risk areas in the Sahel and coastal West Africa to combat terrorism and insurgency.
The Sponsor of the Motion titled; “Strengthening Regional Security Cooperation In Response To The Escalating Threat Of Terrorism And Violent Extremism In West Africa and the Sahel”Hon. Dr. Zainab Gimba told MP the wanton killings and destruction being perpetrated by the groups urging also that the ECOWAS Early Warning and Response Network (ECOWARN) be strengthened to anticipate, track and disrupt arms trafficking routes and insurgent migration patterns and pre-empt threats for early mitigation as well as that a Resolution be passed for the region to provide more support to the ECOWAS Regional Food and Agricultural Agency to enhance its capacity to support and supplement the food security needs of the region, particularly of those displaced by conflicts, terrorism and violent extremism, and climate effects.
She also urged that urgent Resolution be passed by Parliament to endorse the dialogue that has been opened with the AES States (Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger) with a view to reintegrating them into ECOWAS security frameworks.
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“Mr. Speaker, I dare say that we already know why and how terrorism and violent extremism is spreading and engulfing West Africa and the Sahel.
“It is pursuant to this, Mr. Speaker, that I move for the adoption of a multifaceted approach, that: An urgent Resolution be passed by Parliament to endorse the dialogue that has been opened with the AES States (Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger) with a view to reintegrating them into ECOWAS security frameworks to support a collaborative security effort for the acceleration and full operationalization of the Accra Initiative and the ECOWAS Standby Force in line with its 2020–2024 action plan to combat terrorism in West Africa and the Sahel
It is with a deep sense of urgency and commitment to regional peace and stability that rise under Rule 87 of our Rules of Procedure to address this august House on a matter of grave concern to Nigeria my country, and to West Africa and the Sahel.
“Mr.Speaker, what concerns me most is not the existence of terrorism and violent extremism alone, it is the rapid escalation of such activities across West Africa,particularly in the wake of the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
“Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, allow me to paint a picture of the situation for you to clearly conceptualize my concern. According to the Global Terrorism Index 2024violent conflict remains the primary driver of terrorism, with over 90 per cent of attacks and 98 per cent of terrorism deaths in 2023 taking place in countries in conflict.
“An arrested bandit in Zamfara confirmed that instability in Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali not only facilitates their operations but also provides a direct source of weaponry. That is, however, not the concern.
“My concern, Mr. Speaker, colleague Members, is that, regionally, the impact of terrorism in Sub-Saharan Africa alone accounts for just under 59 per cent of all fatalities globally; and the Sahel accounted for 19 per cent of all terrorist attacks worldwide and 51 per cent of global terrorism-related deaths in 2024, an increase from 48 per cent in 2023.”
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While driving at her point, she painted a gloomy security picture of what is happening in Nigeria, particularly, the northeast.
“It is instructive to note, Mr. Speaker, that in Northeastern Nigeria, the situation remains dire. The conflict zones dominated by Boko Haram and its offshoot, the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP), have witnessed the infiltration of foreign fighters—including Caucasian combatants—who entered around January 2025.
“Mr. Speaker, even more concerning is that fact that these terrorists now use advanced sophisticated weapons and ammunitions (drones, chemical agents, among others)capable of penetrating armored vehicles and igniting previously impenetrable metals.
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Mr. Speaker, since March 2025, this new coalition has launched coordinated offensives on communities in Gwoza, Pulka, Buni Gari, Buni Yadi, Alagarno, Damboa, Wajiroko,Sabongari, Gujiba, Wulgo, Rann, Dikwa, Nganzai, Gajibo, Baga, Doron Baga, and Marte,overrunning multiple military battalions, seizing weapons and destroying securityinstallations in Buni Gari, Alagarno, Pulka, Wulgo, Rann, Marte, Wajiroko, and Sabon Gari in just 60 days.
Mr. Speaker, esteemed colleagues, I have personally, in the company of my state governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, visited some of these areas with military protection, Mr. Speaker, on May 15, five days before the commencement of this very Session, Boko Haram attacked farming communities near Baga, resulting in the following casualties: Dawoshi: 40 farmers slaughtered; Malam Karamti: 22 civilians killed ; Dabar Giwa: 15 individuals executed
“Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members of the ECOWAS Parliament, Citizens of the Community, these inhuman atrocities were reportedly carried out as punishment for non-payment of illegal “taxes” imposed by the group. Such illegality. SOMETHING MUST BE DONE!!!”
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