The Minister of Defence Mohammed Abubakar Badaru has called on international community to renew efforts to stem the tide of small arms and light weapons proliferation within the sahel region.
Badaru made the call on Monday at the Summit of the Future during the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York, USA,
The minister stressed the need for World leaders urgent intervention to address the emerging security threats in the Sahel region that are being compounded by proliferation of light weapons and small arms.
A statement by Ministry of Defence spokesperson Henshaw Ogubike stated that Badaru highlighted the need for comprehensive strategies to prevent crisis in Sahel region from further escalating by stopping illegal financial flows that is aiding kidnapping, terrorism and banditry.
Badaru stressed that urgent actions on the path of International community is needed in the region in order to stop kidnapping , banditry and stem illicit arms and light weapons flow.
“We urge the international community to renew efforts to address these security challenges,” Badaru said.
The Defence minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to supporting the United Nations’ efforts in maintaining international peace and security.
Badaru emphasized Nigeria’s significant contributions to global peace and security since its first engagement in Congo in 1960.
He said that Nigeria has contributed to International Peace and Security in terms of troops, finance, logistics, and civilian experts to various African countries, including Guinea Bissau, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Mali, and Côte d’Ivoire. In addition Nigeria has played a key role in regional security and stability in West Africa and the Sahel
The Minister therefore called on the United Nations Security Council to give just representation to Africa on a permanent basis at the UN Security Council, emphasizing its importance for conscientious global peace, inclusivity , security , deepening global peace and building trust.