The United Nations, UN, has pledged continuous partnership with the Nigerian Army, NA, in tackling security challenges in the country and the Sahel region.
A representative of the UN Secretary General for Africa, His Excellency, Mahamat Khatir Annadif disclosed the planned partnership Thursday, 28 October 2021, when he paid a courtesy call on the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya at the Army Headquarters, Abuja.
TheFact Nigeria notes that the NA in recent times has either collaborated with, or received similar pledges from other international bodies and countries to help her deal with the menace. In May this year, British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing, had disclosed that the United Kingdom was partnering with Nigeria in military- to-military training and other areas. Similarly, in July, the NA disclosed that it was collaborating with the Italian military to develop its (NA’s) manpower through training and support. Furthermore, the federal government, in July also, disclosed that it had sought the collaboration of Canada and Pakistan in the production of tanks, small arms and ammunition.
Mahatma commended the efforts of the NA in stemming the security challenges and activities of insurgents in Nigeria and by extension the SAHEL regions, noting that was very crucial to adopt a regional approach and provide antidotes to tackle terrorism and other contemporary security challenges bedeviling West Africa and the Sahel region.
The UN envoy who was accompanied on the visit by the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General in West Africa and the Sahel, His Excellency Mr Francois Luncemy Fall, averred that most of the current security challenges confronting west African states are a spill over of the Libyan crises. He assured the NA of partnership in the quest to checkmate the proliferation of arms and profiling of terrorism financers.
In his remarks, the COAS noted that countries across the globe are currently confronted with terrorism and other security challenges perculiar to each nation, adding that the NA, in conjunction with sister services and other security agencies, is making steady progress in the fight against insurgency and will not relent in ensuring the menace is brought to an end in Nigeria.
The Army Chief also harped on the need for partnership with the NA in the areas of support for victims of terrorism, profiling of terrorism financers, arms proliferation control and technological support.
