FG ratifies agreements with UK, Niger on terrorism

The Federal Government has formally ratified existing bilateral agreements with the United Kingdom and Nigeria’s neighbour, Niger Republic.
According to the Minister of State for Defence, Erelu Olusola Obada, the agreements are aimed at achieving closer cooperation to stem the rising wave of terrorism in the country.
In the last two years, the Islamist insurgents, Boko Haram, has claimed responsibility for series of deadly attacks in the northern part of the country and the Federal Capital Territory.
In May, President Goodluck Jonathan took a pragmatic step aimed at ending insurgency by declaring a state of emergency in three frontline states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa.
The Federal Executive Council after extensive deliberation on the submission made by Obada, ratified the agreements.
The Memorandum of Understanding signed with the UK aims at promoting strategic partnership to boost peace and security, trade and investment as well as migration.
The agreement with Niger Republic will ensure joint patrol along the borders of both countries.
Labaran Maku, the Minister of Information, said further that the cooperation with Niger Republic ‘is aimed at providing mutual military support, security of their common borders, intervention assistance, military assistance, exchange of intelligence on internal and external security, joint military exercise and operations.
“The MoU on bilateral military cooperation between Nigeria and UK is aimed at establishing a bilateral military cooperation within the framework of our competent authorities as defined in the national legislation,” Maku explained.
Maku said the agreements will also entail sharing experiences, information and training, in addition to maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, as well as cooperation in terms of logistic supply.
Also speaking, Obada expressed satisfaction with the achievements of the military so far in containing the activities of the insurgents in the states where emergency rule is being enforced.
She said: “It has halted the threat to Nigeria’s unity. As you know the unity of this country is paramount and Mr. President as the leader of this country has ensured that the unity of this country is preserved and protected. If you will recall, you heard that the insurgency were already hoisting their flags all over some of the areas, especially Borno.”