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From Tunde Omolehin, Sokoto
The Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Mohammed Matawalle, said that members of the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) Defence Ministers’ Council that include Nigeria, Saudi Arabia and 40 other countries were ready to collaborate in the fight against terrorism groups operating in the sub-Saharan region.
The minister stated this at the just concluded Second Meeting of Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) Defence Ministers’ Council held in Riyadh Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).
The meeting was chaired by the Saudi Minister of Defence who is also the Chairman Council of Defence Ministers of IMCTC member countries, His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Sa’ad.
Matawalle said issues of terrorism in Nigeria, particularly the negative impact of Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and other terrorist groups were highlighted at the meeting.
He explained that much efforts of the present Nigerian administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu against terrorism in particular and security in general was highly appreciated by the coalition.
He further said that in line with its core values and strategic objectives, IMCTC had also reiterated its commitment to support and collaborate with the Nigerian Government in the fight against terrorism.
“The old and strong cordial relationship that has long existed between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia was also emphasised.
“Issues of collaboration, transfer of military technology and Memorandum of Understanding on security cooperation were also discussed during the closed-door meeting.”
Matawalle said the meeting would no doubt improve collaboration in the fight against terrorism globally and subsequently enhance counter-terrorism and security efforts across the African Sahel region, while also aiding in further degrading the operations and activities of Boko Haram, ISWAP and other terrorist groups in Nigeria.
He explained that the mission of IMCTC was aimed at coordinating ideological, media and counter-terrorist financing and military efforts within its member countries with a high degree of efficiency and effectiveness, unifying and supporting them in partnership with friendly countries and counter terrorism international organisations.
In addition to Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, IMCTC has 40 other members some of which include Pakistan, Senegal, Kenya, Benin, Turkey, Guinea Bissau, Sudan, Cote de Voírè, Egypt, Sierra Leone and Uganda amongst others.
Furthermore, IMCTC has an existing MoU with USA, United Kingdom and France as supporting countries to the coalition whose roles include developing initiatives, political participation and advocacy, sharing information and providing resources to IMCTC when required.
