Nigeria, Burkina Faso step up anti-terrorism cooperation

By Luminous Jannamike ABUJA – Nigeria and Burkina Faso have pledged closer security cooperation and intelligence sharing to combat terrorism, violent extremism and transnational organised crime threatening both countries and the wider West African region. The agreement also links security with economic development, as both countries seek to strengthen agricultural partnerships, improve livelihoods and create opportunities that could complement efforts to tackle insecurity. A statement issued by the Embassy of Nigeria in Ouagadougou said the commitment followed a meeting between Burkina Faso’s Prime Minister, Rimtalba Ouédraogo, and Nigeria’s Ambassador, Syndoph Endoni.

Ouédraogo acknowledged the longstanding ties between both countries and said their common challenges made sustained engagement and closer collaboration imperative. He expressed Burkina Faso’s readiness to work with Nigeria to strengthen their historic relationship and advance shared interests. Both sides identified intelligence sharing, stronger institutional ties and coordinated responses as critical to tackling terrorism and organised criminal networks.

They also agreed that deeper economic cooperation, particularly in agriculture, could strengthen food security, support livelihoods and create sustainable opportunities for citizens. Endoni reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to initiatives that would deepen bilateral relations, stressing the link between security and development. “Security and development should not be treated as separate objectives,” the Nigerian ambassador said.

He also called for stronger engagement between public institutions and private-sector actors, while both countries expressed interest in more regular consultations on security, defence, agriculture and economic relations. The renewed engagement signals a push to broaden Nigeria-Burkina Faso relations beyond diplomatic ties towards practical cooperation on shared security threats and regional stability. The post Nigeria, Burkina Faso step up anti-terrorism cooperation appeared first on Vanguard News.