Federal Govt, UN Signs MoU To Strengthen Counter Terrorism Partnership

The Nigerian Government through the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the United Nations Office of Counter Terrorism (UNOCT) have signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) to further strengthen counter-terrorism efforts in the country.

A statement by the head, strategic communications,ONSA Zakari Mijinyawa said the documents were signed to enhance cooperation in various areas, including countering terrorist travel, financing of terrorism, border and maritime security, and delivery of counter-terrorism training in Nigeria.

The statement added that the MoU was in furtherance of Nigeria’s joint efforts with international community to combat terrorism.

Both parties reiterated that the the menace of terrorism remains one of the most complex challenges to the peace, security, and stability of nations around the world.

They 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.

The National Coordinator, National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Rear Admiral YEM Musa (rtd), who represented the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, noted that the two documents signalled a momentous milestone in cementing Nigeria’s partnership with UNOCT towards enhanced collective counter-terrorism efforts.

Also United Nations Under-Secretary-General, Office of Counter-Terrorism, Mr. Vladimir Voronkov, said 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.

Heads of key implementing Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) also attended the signing ceremony.