By Adetokunbo FAKEYE
The Nigerian Government, through the Office of the National Security Adviser ONSA, and the United Nations Office of Counter Terrorism UNOCT have signed Memorandums of Understanding to further strengthen counter-terrorism efforts in the country.
According to a statement by the Head, of the Strategic Communications Office of the National Security Adviser, Zakari Mijinyawa, the MOUs are in furtherance of Nigeria’s joint efforts with the international community in combating the global menace of terrorism which remains one of the most complex challenges to the peace, security, and stability of nations around the world.
The parties, it stated also pledged continued collaboration to identify, collect, and disseminate good practices and lessons learned, and explore new opportunities by promoting dialogue and partnership through the development of capacity-building activities.
Rear Admiral Yem Musa, the National Coordinator of, the National Counter Terrorism Centre NCTC, who represented the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu notes that the two Memorandums of Understanding signals a milestone in cementing Nigeria’s partnership with UNOCT towards enhanced collective counter-terrorism efforts.
In his remarks, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General, Office of Counter-Terrorism, Mr. Vladimir Voronkov, noted that the MoUs envisaged further cooperation in various areas, including countering terrorist travel, financing of terrorism, border and maritime security, and delivery of counter-terrorism training in Nigeria.