Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has commended the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) for its counterterrorism training programs aimed at enhancing the Nigerian Armed Forces’ capabilities.
During his official visit to the IMCTC headquarters in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Dr. Matawalle expressed gratitude to the Secretary-General for the training initiatives, which have significantly impacted Nigeria’s military operational readiness .
“The various types of training provided by the IMCTC have been instrumental in improving the capacity of our armed forces to combat terrorism,” Dr. Matawalle stated.
He also praised the Coalition’s commitment to global peace and security, emphasizing Nigeria’s continued partnership with the organization.
Dr. Matawalle’s visit underscores Nigeria’s commitment to enhancing its defense capabilities and fostering international collaboration in the fight against terrorism. While in Saudi Arabia, he is scheduled to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to strengthen bilateral ties, particularly in defense and counterterrorism cooperation.
The IMCTC, an intergovernmental alliance of Muslim-majority countries, combats terrorism through intelligence sharing, training, and joint operations. Nigeria has benefited from its strategic programs, adopting modern counterterrorism strategies and enhancing inter-agency collaboration within the armed forces.
Since Dr. Matawalle assumed office, the Nigerian Armed Forces have made significant progress in curbing terrorism, thanks in part to partnerships with international organizations like the IMCTC. His visit aims to reinforce these partnerships and explore new avenues for collaboration.
“These collaborations are critical for regional stability and the global fight against terrorism,” noted a security analyst in Abuja.
Dr. Matawalle’s engagements in Riyadh are expected to strengthen Nigeria’s international defense partnerships, ensuring the country remains at the forefront of efforts to combat terrorism and promote global peace.
