865 Terrorism Convictions Secured in 2026, Defence Minister Seeks Global Support for Victims
Kathy Kyari
Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), has called for sustained international support systems for victims and survivors of terrorism, urging the global community to move beyond short-term humanitarian relief to long-term rehabilitation, economic recovery and reintegration.
Musa made the call at the Ministerial Meeting of the Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
In a statement issued by the Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Defence, Leah Katung-Babatunde, Musa said the disproportionate impact of terrorism on Africa required stronger international commitment to addressing the long-term needs of victims and affected communities.
He noted that Sub-Saharan Africa accounted for approximately 60 per cent of global terrorism deaths in 2025, stressing that behind the figures were families displaced, livelihoods destroyed, communities fractured and lives permanently altered.
“Our task now is to ensure that the identified priorities and needs of victims, as well as lessons and good practices, are translated into sustained action,” he said.
Highlighting Nigeria’s efforts in counter-terrorism and justice, the minister disclosed that the country secured 865 terrorism-related convictions in 2026, describing the development as evidence of its commitment to accountability.
He added that Nigeria continued to prioritise the liberation of captives while ensuring comprehensive post-rescue support, including medical care, psychosocial rehabilitation, economic assistance and community reintegration.
Drawing from Nigeria’s operational experience, Musa proposed a three-point framework for strengthening international cooperation: enhanced peer learning, inclusive partnerships and targeted United Nations support.
On enhanced peer learning, he advocated institutional mechanisms through which member states could share operational models, referral systems and lessons learned, including honest assessments of approaches that failed to achieve their intended outcomes.
He also called for stronger feedback channels and partnerships among national authorities, civil society organisations and victims’ associations to ensure that survivors play a meaningful role in justice and rehabilitation processes.
Musa further urged the United Nations to expand technical assistance, capacity-building and resource mobilisation, particularly for countries bearing the heaviest burden of terrorism.
The minister commended United Nations initiatives, including the UNOCT Global Victims of Terrorism Support Programme, the Victims of Terrorism Associations Network (VoTAN), and Germany’s support for the development of the Toolkit for Technology-Enabled Support to Victims of Terrorism.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to share its experience and collaborate with international partners, while expressing optimism about the International Conference on Victims of Terrorism scheduled to hold in Baghdad, Iraq, in the fourth quarter of 2026.
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