Nigerian Army to improve counterterrorism cooperation with UN

In the fight against terrorism and violent extremism in the nation, the Nigerian Army has vowed to deepen ties with the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT).

When the UN Under-Secretary for UNOCT, Mr. Vladimir Voronkov, visited Army Headquarters on Thursday in Abuja, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the COAS, made the pledge.

According to Lagbaja, the Nigerian army has been fighting terrorism with both offensive and proactive strategies.

He continued by saying that the soldiers on the ground have knowledge of all aspects of the struggle against terrorism and banditry.

We are prepared to work together with important partners, including the UN office for counterterrorism.

“The Nigerian Army doesn’t just concentrate on the offensive strategy.

We are aware that no matter how long kinetic operations are conducted, a non-kinetic strategy must be used to create a stable environment.

“Repentant terrorists have been taken to our detention camps by the Nigerian Army as a result of our efforts over the years.

“We are looking forward to the support of the UN and even other UN organs on the Demobilisation, Deradicalisation and Resettlement (DDR) programme,” he said.

Prior to the visit, UN Under-Secretary Voronkov stated that it was intended to strengthen partnerships for a more effective response in the nation’s fight against terrorism.

He stated that in order to handle the growing terrorism threat in Africa, stronger multilateral cooperation and further relationship with the Nigerian army were priorities for the UNOCT.

According to Voronkov, the visit also aimed to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to prevent, detect, investigate, and prosecute acts of terrorism and formalise already-existing cooperation in those areas. (NAN)