FG expresses concern over rising violence in W/Africa

The Federal Government yesterday says the rise in violent conflicts in West Africa has sparked concerns that emerging threats could undermine the security and stability of the sub-region.

The Minister of Defence, Bashir Magashi, stated this in Abuja yesterday during the National Defence College (NDC) Security Seminar themed ‘Emerging Security Threats in West Africa: Implications for Regional Security and Stability’.

He said a combination of factors such as youth bulge and rising unemployment as well as upsurge in terrorism had created security challenges which had undermined national and regional stability.

He charged the military and other security agencies to develop clear strategies to tackle the security challenges confronting Nigeria and West Africa.

The minister said an increasing number of African heads of states had moved to undermine term limits to remain in power.

The National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno, represented by Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Mdagi, urged the NDC to continue to examine national and international security concerns, especially along the lines that most security threats were transnational in nature.