UNGA 81: Nigeria Makes Case for Sustained Support for Victims of Extremism

Nigeria has called on the international community to move beyond short-term humanitarian assistance and establish sustained support systems for victims and survivors of violent extremism.

The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, made the call at the Ministerial Meeting of the Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

The meeting, co-convened by Spain and Iraq on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly, focused on strengthening international responses to the needs of people affected by terrorism.

Musa highlighted the severe impact of terrorism on Africa, noting that sub-Saharan Africa accounted for about 60 per cent of global terrorism-related deaths in 2025.

He said behind the statistics were families displaced from their homes, livelihoods destroyed, communities fractured and lives permanently changed.

The minister stressed the need to translate the identified needs of victims into sustained action, rather than limiting international responses to immediate humanitarian relief.

He also highlighted Nigeria’s counter-terrorism and justice efforts, disclosing that the country secured 865 terrorism-related convictions in 2026.

Musa said Nigeria remained committed to rescuing captives while ensuring that survivors receive comprehensive support after their release.

Such support, he said, should include medical care, psychosocial rehabilitation, economic assistance and community reintegration.

Drawing from Nigeria’s experience, the minister proposed a three-point framework for strengthening international cooperation. The framework includes enhanced peer learning, inclusive partnerships and targeted United Nations support.

He called for institutional mechanisms that would allow countries to share operational models, referral systems and lessons learned, including assessments of approaches that have not produced their intended results.

Musa also advocated stronger partnerships among governments, civil society organisations and victims’ associations to ensure survivors have a meaningful role in justice and rehabilitation efforts.

He called for expanded UN technical assistance, capacity building and resource mobilisation specifically tailored to countries carrying the greatest burdens of terrorism.

The minister commended existing UN initiatives supporting victims of terrorism and welcomed international efforts to strengthen survivor-focused programmes.

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to share its experience and work with international partners to improve support for victims and survivors.

Musa also expressed optimism about the International Conference on Victims of Terrorism, scheduled to take place in Baghdad, Iraq, later in 2026.

He said sustained international cooperation would remain essential to helping victims recover, rebuild their livelihoods and reintegrate into their communities.