NEW YORK, United States — Nigeria’s Vice-President, Kashim Shettima, warned the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, September 24, 2026, that national defenses alone cannot protect countries from transnational terrorism, cyber threats, and cross-border security dangers.
Delivering the national statement on behalf of Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, Golden Info reports that Kashim Shettima called for stronger international cooperation against violent extremism, citing Nigeria’s ongoing battles with Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province, and other armed groups. The address took place during the afternoon session of the third day of the 81st General Debate at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, where Kashim Shettima spoke fourth in the speaker order.
The Vice-President stated that while military operations remain necessary, sustainable security requires additional investment in education, economic opportunity, accountable governance, and human rights. He asserted that isolated national responses are insufficient against modern threats that exploit gaps between sovereign territories.
Kashim Shettima highlighted Nigeria’s history of deployment in peace operations across Africa, referencing engagements in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Darfur, Mali, and The Gambia. He stated that Nigeria continues to participate in counter-terrorism, maritime security, mediation, and governance efforts through the Economic Community of West African States, the African Union, and Gulf of Guinea partnerships.
The Nigerian delegation urged the international community to address rising nationalism, uphold international law under the United Nations Charter, and pursue diplomatic resolutions in conflict-affected regions, specifically identifying Sudan. Kashim Shettima warned that distant conflicts generate widespread disruptions to trade, increase humanitarian pressures, fuel displacement, and create regional economic shocks.