The United Kingdom has pledged to support Nigeria in tackling the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram terrorists.
The UK and Nigeria also affirmed commitment to deepen partnership in the face of complex and evolving global threats, including human trafficking, serious and organised crimes, drug trafficking, cyber-crime and piracy.
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This was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the inaugural UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership dialogue held in London between January 31 and February 2.
According to the communiqué jointly issued by the UK National Security Adviser, Sir Stephen Lovegrove, and Nigerian National Security Adviser, Major General Babagana Monguno (retd.), the two countries agreed to enhance existing cooperation in civilian policing; approaches to stabilisation including civilian-led security and civil-military co-operation; human rights; women and youth, peace and security; defence co-operation and maritime security; serious and organised crimes, drug trafficking, human trafficking and border security; and countering terrorism and violent extremism.
The dialogue affirmed the importance of the Nigerian police’s role as the primary security actor responsible for domestic law enforcement, for keeping the peace and ensuring a peaceful society.
The United Kingdom also committed to continuing its support for the Lake Chad Basin Regional Stabilisation Facility’s work to improve civil military cooperation in the North East and the wider Lake Chad Basin region, including through the provision of expert assistance.
It said it would continue its support for community-led security and peacebuilding in North East Nigeria.
It added that Nigeria and UK reiterated their shared understanding and commitment to protecting human rights for all, including victims of conflict.
The two countries also committed to continuing to work in partnership to tackle illicit financial flows, terrorism and violent extremism.
The United Kingdom also offered to share insight on terrorist financing, trans-border movements and the illegal movement of small arms and light weapons.
On his part, Monguno said the agreements would deepen and enhance security and defence collaboration in order to create a safe and secure environment for all citizens to thrive.
The next security and defence dialogue is expected to be held in the first quarter of 2023.
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