Against the backdrop of increased terrorist attacks in the country and fears that the Boko Haram sect may have targeted the bombing of foreign embassies operating in Nigeria, the British High Commissioner in Nigeria, Mr. Andrew Lloyd, yesterday declared that Britain was willing to provide intelligence and technological support in the nation’s fight against terrorism.
Mr Lloyd who disclosed this when he paid a visit to the Minister of Defence, Bello Haliru Mohammed in his office said the very close bilateral relations between Nigeria and Britain had made it imperative that issues of terrorism which are condemnable acts are tackled headlong together in the interest of the people of both nations.
He said that though Britain has always provided support in the areas of training for Nigeria’s military personnel, it has made it imperative for new pages of cooperation to be opened in providing modern technological devices and the advanced intelligence needed to tackle terrorism cankerworm.
The High Commissioner also disclosed that the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), which is presently operating below capacity would be given British support and experience through the exchange of expertise and other required support to succeed in its quest to develop, manufacture and assemble arms and ammunition for the nation.
Defence Minister, Dr. Bello Mohammed in his response, requested Britain’s support in Nigeria’s bid to become a permanent member of the UN security council explaining that by virtue of Nigeria’s contribution to peace keeping efforts worldwide, the country deserves to be at the security council.
Commending Britain for its support to the armed forces particularly as it regards training and capacity building of personnel, the minister reminded the High Commissioner that terrorism being a global phenomenon, required all hands to be on deck to fight it hence he called for greater cooperation between the two countries in this regard.
Dr. Bello further requested Britain to improve its trade ties with Nigeria and show example to other countries still dragging their feet toward investing and benefitting from the immense socio-economic and mineral opportunities that abound within the country.
Niger Delta militants volunteer to join forces with army
Meanwhile following uncovered intelligence reports that the Islamic sect, Boko Haram, had concluded plans to bomb some states in the Niger-Delta, South-East and South-West geo-political zones, militants in the Niger Delta, have volunteered to team up with the security agencies, especially the armed forces to repel the rebellious group
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