Vice-President Kashim Shettima has urged world leaders to strengthen international cooperation against terrorism and other security threats, warning that no country can effectively tackle such challenges in isolation.
Shettima made the call on Thursday while delivering President Bola Tinubu’s national statement at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Drawing from Nigeria’s prolonged battle against Boko Haram, ISWAP and other armed groups, the Vice-President said modern security threats increasingly operate across national borders and require coordinated responses.
He said Nigeria’s experience had shown that military operations, while necessary, could not by themselves guarantee lasting victory over violent extremism.
According to him, sustainable security must also be supported by education, economic opportunities, accountable governance and respect for human rights.
Shettima called for stronger intelligence-sharing among countries, greater cooperation in disrupting the financing of terrorism and concerted efforts to prevent illicit weapons from crossing borders.
He said Nigeria remained committed to working with neighbouring countries and international partners to confront terrorism and other threats to regional stability.
The Vice-President cited Nigeria’s engagements through the Economic Community of West African States, African Union and Gulf of Guinea partnerships, including efforts in mediation, counter-terrorism, maritime security and democratic governance.
He also highlighted Nigeria’s contributions to peace operations across Africa, recalling the country’s involvement in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Darfur, Mali and The Gambia.
Shettima said these interventions reflected Nigeria’s position that instability in one country could have consequences for neighbouring states and the wider international community.
He warned that conflicts could disrupt trade, trigger displacement, increase humanitarian pressures and create conditions that allow extremist networks to expand.
The Vice-President also cautioned against growing nationalism and weakening commitment to multilateral cooperation, urging countries to uphold international law and pursue peaceful means of resolving disputes.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for the United Nations Charter and called for urgent diplomatic attention to conflicts, particularly the crisis in Sudan.
Shettima said international security was closely linked to development, arguing that poverty, exclusion and weak institutions could undermine gains made through military operations.
He therefore urged greater international solidarity and investment in the social and economic conditions required to sustain peace.
