President Bola Tinubu has called for stronger international cooperation to tackle terrorism and other transnational security threats, urging countries to deepen intelligence sharing, disrupt the financing of violence and prevent the illegal movement of arms across borders.
Tinubu made the call on Thursday while delivering Nigeria’s address at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, where he was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
The President said terrorism, organised crime, cyberattacks and illicit financial networks continued to exploit gaps in national security systems, making coordinated global action necessary.
He said Nigeria’s experience in confronting Boko Haram, ISWAP and other armed groups had shown that military operations alone could not guarantee lasting peace and security.
According to him, sustainable peace also requires investment in education, economic opportunities, accountable governance and the protection of citizens’ rights and dignity.
Tinubu urged countries to strengthen institutional capacity, share intelligence, disrupt sources of terrorist financing and prevent weapons from being trafficked across national borders.
He also cited the security crisis in the Sahel as an example of how instability in one country could spill across borders, displace populations and undermine regional integration and democratic governance.
The President reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional security cooperation through the Economic Community of West African States and the African Union, as well as partnerships with the international community.
He further called for greater attention to the underlying causes of violent extremism, stressing that development and security were closely connected.
“Development cannot take root while violence repeatedly uproots livelihoods, and peace cannot endure while injustice and exclusion replenish the ranks of those who threaten it,” Tinubu said.
On conflicts outside Africa, the President called for urgent diplomatic efforts to address the war in Sudan and other conflict-affected regions.
He urged all parties to respect international humanitarian and human rights law, protect civilians and ensure access to humanitarian assistance.
“We place our faith in diplomacy because military victories alone cannot secure lasting peace,” Tinubu said, advocating dialogue, reconciliation, inclusive political processes and increased investment in peacebuilding and conflict prevention.
The 81st United Nations General Assembly, which commenced on September 22 and will run until September 28, is being held under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”
