Abuja: A Nigerian ECOWAS Parliament member, Rep. Zainab Gimba, has raised an alarm over the surge in acts of terror and violent extremism across Nigeria, West Africa, and the Sahel. Gimba raised the alarm while moving a motion titled, ‘Strengthening Regional Security Cooperation In Response To The Escalating Threat Of Terrorism And Violent Extremism In West Africa and the Sahel.’
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the lawmaker noted during the Parliament’s 2025 First Ordinary Session that the upsurge in terrorism stemmed from the recent withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from ECOWAS. She expressed a deep sense of urgency and commitment to regional peace and stability while addressing the Parliament about the grave concerns affecting Nigeria and the broader region.
Gimba highlighted the dire situation in Northeastern Nigeria, emphasizing the infiltration by Boko Haram, ISWAP, and other foreign terrorists, including Caucasian combatants. She decried the terrorists’ use of advanced weapons such as d
rones and chemical agents, which have been used to penetrate armored vehicles and destroy previously secure installations.
Since March, terrorists have launched coordinated offensives on multiple communities, overrunning military battalions, seizing weapons, and causing significant destruction. Gimba recounted her visit to affected areas with military protection, noting a recent attack by Boko Haram near Baga that resulted in numerous civilian casualties.
Gimba further disclosed that instability in Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali has facilitated terrorist operations, providing direct sources of weaponry. She pointed out the significant impact of terrorism in Sub-Saharan Africa, which accounts for a large proportion of global terrorism-related fatalities.
To combat this escalating threat, Gimba moved several motions, including compelling ECOWAS member states to enhance funding for the Multinational Joint Task Force and deploying rapid-response forces to high-risk zones. She also called for strengthening the E
COWAS Early Warning and Response Network to disrupt arms trafficking and insurgent migration patterns.
Additionally, Gimba advocated for supporting the ECOWAS Regional Food and Agricultural Agency to address regional food security needs and endorsed dialogue with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger for their reintegration into ECOWAS security frameworks. She emphasized the importance of a multifaceted approach to combat the spread of terrorism and violent extremism effectively.
Gimba concluded by urging the acceleration and full operationalization of collaborative security efforts, including the Accra Initiative and the ECOWAS Standby Force, in line with its 2020-2024 action plan to combat terrorism in West Africa and the Sahel.