UK and Nigeria pledge to tackle terrorism

The government has said that fresh commitments made at the first ever UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership dialogue will boost work to tackle shared threats and keep both British and Nigerian people safe.

Collectively, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, the Ministry of Defence, the Home Office and the National Crime Agency stated that commitments will work together to improve civilian policing standards, protect human rights and recognise the important role of women in achieving sustainable peace.

Further UK support to Nigeria in tackling Islamic State West Africa (ISWA) and Boko Haram will also build on joint work to respond to conflict with extremist groups in the North East of the country.

The dialogue, the first following the agreement on security and defence partnership in 2018, has led to refreshed plans to deepen UK engagement with the Nigerian security authorities. It will see policing advisors deployed from the UK to Nigeria will share experiences and help Nigerian forces respond timely and appropriately to criminal activity across the country.

Vicky Ford, Minister for Africa, said: “Conflict and insecurity are leading to the loss of life and increasing displacement of millions of people across West Africa. It affects the freedom of civilians and blocks economic growth, further undermining peace and prosperity.

“Through these new agreements, the UK is deepening our partnership with Nigeria to tackle shared threats, bolster regional stabilisation efforts and support Nigeria’s peace-keeping capabilities. This will help Nigeria to tackle violent extremist organisations and organised criminal groups, empowering them to respond to growing regional security challenges. It is only when people are safe and communities stable, that nations can truly thrive.”