Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has warned that terrorism, organised crime and unconstitutional changes of government remain some of the gravest threats undermining peace, security and democratic governance across West Africa.
Speaking at a regional security engagement, Ribadu stressed that the growing activities of terrorist networks and transnational criminal organisations continue to destabilise countries across the sub-region, posing significant risks to economic development and regional integration.
He noted that porous borders have become a major enabler of insecurity, facilitating the movement of terrorists, arms traffickers, smugglers and human traffickers across national boundaries. According to him, these vulnerabilities have created opportunities for criminal groups to expand their operations while weakening the capacity of states to maintain security.
Ribadu called for stronger cooperation among West African nations, urging governments to enhance intelligence sharing, modernise border management systems and adopt coordinated strategies to tackle evolving security threats.
He emphasised that safeguarding regional stability requires collective action, warning that no country can effectively confront terrorism and organised crime in isolation. Strengthening border security architecture and improving collaboration among security agencies, he added, are critical to protecting democratic institutions and preventing further instability across the region.
The NSA’s remarks come amid growing concerns over persistent terrorist attacks, cross-border criminal activities and a series of military takeovers that have challenged democratic governance in parts of West Africa, highlighting the urgent need for a unified regional response.
