Egypt Pledges Full Support for Nigeria's Efforts in Combating Terrorism

Strategic Insights -

Egypt's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates, Badr Abdelatty, reaffirmed his country's commitment to working closely with Nigeria to combat terrorism in the Sahel region. Abdelatty made the remarks during a meeting with Nigeria's National Security Advisor, Nuhu Ribadu, in Abuja, where the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing cooperation in combating terrorism and extremist ideologies. The MoU, signed between the Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding (CCCPA) and the Counter-Terrorism Centre of Nigeria's Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), is expected to boost technical, training, and research cooperation for capacity building and the transfer of Egyptian experience in combating terrorism.

Key Takeaways:

  • Egypt has pledged its full support for Nigeria's holistic approach to combating terrorism, with a focus on bolstering joint cooperation in the Sahel region.
  • The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance technical, training, and research cooperation for capacity building and the transfer of Egyptian experience in combating terrorism.
  • The MoU aims to address the security, developmental, and preventive aspects of combating terrorism in an integrated manner.
  • Egypt's efforts to combat terrorist ideologies include increasing the number of Al-Azhar's envoys to Nigeria to 75 by October to teach Al-Azhar curricula in Nigerian Islamic schools and institutes.
  • The meeting tackled regional issues of mutual concern, including the situation in the Sahel region and West Africa, and how to support stability and confront regional security challenges.
  • The deal is intended to strengthen joint cooperation mechanisms to confront the causes of violence and instability in West Africa and the Sahel.

Statistics:

  • 75: The number of Al-Azhar's envoys stationed in Nigeria to teach Al-Azhar curricula in Nigerian Islamic schools and institutes by October.
  • 1: The memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding (CCCPA) and the Counter-Terrorism Centre of Nigeria's Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
  • Sahel region: The geographical area where cooperation between Egypt and Nigeria is aimed at combating terrorism and extremist ideologies.

Sources:

  • Middle East News Agency (21 Jul 2025) "Egypt affirms full support for Nigeria in combating terrorism"