The National Security Adviser (NSA), retired Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno, has reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to work with the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) and international community.
This is to work towards combating terrorism and violent extremism in Nigeria, Africa and the world at large.
Monguno expressed this commitment at a meeting with Under Secretary-General (USG) of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), Mr. Vladimir Voronkov, on the sidelines of the ongoing UN General Assembly in New York.
The Head, Strategic Communication, CounterTerrorism Centre, ONSA, Mr Ozoya Imohimi, disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.
Imohimi said that Monguno also expressed the country’s readiness to collaborate in rendering humanitarian support for victims of terrorism in Nigeria.
He said the NSA also sought the assurance of the international community in supporting the sustained efforts of the Nigerian government in the fight against terrorism and insurgency.
According to him, “The meeting was a follow-up to an earlier one at the United Nations Counter Terrorism Week held at the UN Headquarters in June.
“It highlighted the prevailing humanitarian challenges caused by the over a decade of combating terrorism with millions of displaced persons, as well as other militating factors, including proliferation of small arms and light weapons, irregular migration as well as abuse of illicit drugs.
“NSA called for increased regional cooperation and harmonisation of all counter terrorism legislations, policies and strategies, especially with Chad, Niger and Cameroon.
“Part of the resolutions from the meeting was the need for further collaborations in the areas of improving aviation and maritime security.
“Others are strengthening border security management, combating terrorism financing as well as improving the coordination of Civil Society Organisations’ engagements in preventing and countering violent extremism in Nigeria.”
Imohimi further disclosed that the NSA has also met with the Assistant Secretary-General (ASG)/Executive Director, United Nations Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED), Michèle Coninsx.
They exchanged views on how to address the current terrorist threats in Nigeria, Lake Chad Basin and the Sahel.
According to him, the NSA expressed Nigeria’s progress in combating terrorism and violent extremism, supporting victims of terrorism, de-radicalisation and prosecution of suspected terrorists.
Imohimi added that Monguno also stated the need for CTED sustained support to Nigeria, particularly in humanitarian assistance to victims and capacity building in criminal justice responses to terrorism. (NAN)
