Tinubu Calls for Multifaceted Strategy to Combat Terrorism in Lake Chad Basin

By MUHAMMED DANBABA

Nigeria’s President Urges Regional Collaboration for Security, Stability, and Development

Maiduguri, Nigeria – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for a comprehensive and strategic approach to tackle terrorism, insurgency, and security threats in the Lake Chad Basin region.

Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, made the remarks while declaring open the 5th Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum on Wednesday in Maiduguri, Borno State.

The forum, hosted by Yobe State Government, brings together eight governors from Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, and Niger, along with humanitarian organizations, international stakeholders, and security experts, to address pressing regional challenges.

Tinubu: Military Force Alone is Not Enough

President Tinubu emphasized that while military action remains indispensable, true security will only be achieved by addressing the root causes of instability, including poverty, inequality, and youth unemployment.

“Our response to these threats must be multifaceted. Military solutions are necessary, but they must be complemented by strategies that tackle poverty, inequality, and the lack of opportunities for our youth,” Tinubu stated.

He stressed the importance of regional cooperation in transforming Africa’s youth population into a force for economic and social development, rather than allowing them to be recruited by extremist groups.

“Hard power may secure borders, but it is soft power—through diplomacy, culture, and shared values—that builds bridges and binds us together.”

The High Cost of Global Security and Africa’s Role

Tinubu highlighted that global military spending reached a historic $2.4 trillion in 2023, yet conflicts persist worldwide. He warned that military efforts alone, without diplomacy and justice, only deepen divisions rather than resolving conflicts.

He urged Lake Chad Basin leaders to resist external influences and proxy conflicts, stressing that the region’s future depends on local solutions and regional cooperation.

“The salvation of the Lake Chad region is neither in Europe nor in the Americas. It lies in the hands of all those gathered here today.”

Lake Chad Governors Affirm Commitment to Stability and Development

Several regional governors reiterated their commitment to security and economic stability.

• Gov. Mai Mala Buni (Yobe State): The forum serves as a platform to strengthen collaboration for regional stability, economic growth, and resilience.
• Gov. Babagana Zulum (Borno State): Expressed gratitude to international partners for their support in rebuilding the region.
• Gov. Umaru Fintri (Adamawa State): Raised concerns over climate change’s impact on Lake Chad, citing United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) data that the lake has shrunk by 90% in six years due to climate change, irrigation projects, and population growth.

International Support for the Lake Chad Basin

Ambassador Mamman Nuhu, Executive Secretary of the Lake Chad Basin Commission, described the forum as a critical platform for strengthening regional collaboration.

Ms. Cynthia Rowe, representing the British High Commission, commended regional leaders for their efforts in countering insecurity. She pledged continued international support to foster peace and development in the region.