Boko Haram: Nigeria urges global cooperation against threats beyond borders

NEW YORK — Nigeria has called on countries to strengthen international cooperation in tackling terrorism, cyber threats and other security challenges that transcend national borders, warning that even powerful national defences cannot by themselves shield countries from global threats.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima made the call on Thursday while presenting President Bola Tinubu’s national statement at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Speaking against the backdrop of Nigeria’s long-running battle with Boko Haram, ISWAP and other armed groups, Shettima said the nature of modern security threats demanded responses that went beyond individual countries.

He said terrorists and other hostile actors were able to exploit gaps between countries, making isolated national responses insufficient.

Nigeria’s experience with insurgency, he said, had shown that threats operating across borders required coordinated regional and international action.

While stressing that military operations remained important, the Vice-President said force alone could not secure a lasting victory over violent extremism.

He said sustainable peace also depended on education, economic opportunity, accountable governance and respect for human rights.

Shettima said the position formed part of Nigeria’s broader advocacy for collective security and stronger multilateral institutions.

According to him, Nigeria was ready to deepen cooperation with neighbouring countries and international partners in confronting terrorism and other destabilising threats.

He pointed to Nigeria’s activities through ECOWAS, the African Union and Gulf of Guinea partnerships, including mediation efforts, counter-terrorism operations, maritime security initiatives and support for democratic governance.

Nigeria’s peacekeeping role

The Vice-President also highlighted Nigeria’s longstanding contribution to peace operations across Africa.

He cited the country’s involvement in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Darfur, Mali and The Gambia, saying the engagements reflected Nigeria’s belief that instability in one country could spread consequences across borders.

Shettima warned against the assumption that conflicts in distant parts of the world could be ignored by countries outside the immediate theatre of war.

He said wars could disrupt international trade, increase humanitarian pressures, cause displacement, strengthen extremist networks and generate wider economic and security shocks.

He therefore urged world leaders to renew their commitment to dialogue, mutual respect, collective responsibility and international law.

Nigeria, he said, remained committed to resolving disputes peacefully in accordance with the UN Charter.

Shettima specifically identified Sudan and other countries affected by conflict as requiring urgent diplomatic attention because of the humanitarian and regional consequences of prolonged instability.

Shettima warns against retreat from multilateralism

The Vice-President also cautioned against growing nationalism and declining commitment to multilateral cooperation.

He said continuing conflicts around the world were a reminder of the circumstances that led to the creation of the United Nations following the devastation of the Second World War.

According to him, Nigeria remained committed to an international order in which disputes were resolved through diplomacy rather than arbitrary power.

Shettima further argued that security and development were closely connected, saying deprivation and institutional weakness could undermine gains achieved through military operations.

He said stronger global institutions were needed to coordinate international responses to terrorism, cyber threats and other challenges that do not recognise national borders.

The Nigerian delegation made the call as the 81st General Debate entered its third day, with Shettima delivering the fourth address during Thursday afternoon’s session.

Nigeria’s experience with insurgency, he said, had reinforced the country’s belief that lasting peace requires more than security operations.

According to the Vice-President, effective security measures must be accompanied by conditions that prevent violent groups from exploiting poverty, deprivation and weak institutions to recruit and operate.

Shettima consequently called for greater international solidarity, stronger regional leadership and sustained investment in the social foundations of peace.

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