European Union Offers Support to Nigeria to Tackle Insecurity in Niger Delta
The European Union (EU) has expressed its commitment to assisting Nigeria in addressing the challenges of banditry, kidnapping, and Boko Haram insurgency. The EU believes that ensuring security in the Niger Delta region is crucial, as it serves as the country’s primary revenue earner. EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Samuela Isopi, made this declaration during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Defence in Abuja.
Isopi emphasized the EU’s concerns for three main geographical areas in Nigeria. The first is the northeast and Lake Chad basin, which have been ravaged by the activities of Boko Haram insurgents. The second is the Niger Delta, where Nigeria’s oil and gas resources are located, making it vital for the country’s economy. Lastly, maritime security is also a priority for the EU.
The EU envoy pledged to deepen military support to combat insurgency in Nigeria effectively. Meanwhile, the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, stated that the federal government is no longer considering dialogue with bandits as an option for addressing the security crisis. He mentioned that previous attempts at dialogue have not yielded positive results, necessitating a different approach.
Minister Badaru called on the European Union to provide increased intelligence and equipment support in the fight against insecurity, reiterating that Nigeria requires military assistance to end insurgency in the northeast and other criminal activities nationwide. This collaborative effort involves curative and preventive measures to resolve the crisis.
Similarly, the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, stressed the importance of intelligence sharing, personnel training, and the provision of modern equipment from the EU to enhance Nigeria’s ability to combat insecurity. He emphasized the need for proactive and preventive measures against criminal activities and urged the EU to support and strengthen Nigeria’s security agencies.
In a separate development, Katsina State governor, Mallam Dikko Umaru Radda, called on his counterparts in the northern region to adopt a community-driven approach in addressing insecurity. Governor Radda made this appeal during the graduation and passing out parade of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps Batch 1 in Katsina. He emphasized the importance of cooperation among northern governors and collaboration with the federal government to effectively combat banditry and insecurity.
Governor Radda highlighted the devastating effects of insecurity on various communities in Katsina state, stressing that security has been a top priority for his administration. He expressed his administration’s commitment to security, peace, and community-based advancement, stating that the success of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps relies on the collaborative efforts of both officers and the community.
The event witnessed the presence of President Muhammadu Buhari and several governors from Kano, Zamfara, Yobe, Sokoto, and Kebbi states.
In conclusion, the European Union’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in overcoming insecurity and the challenges in the Niger Delta is commendable. With increased military assistance, intelligence sharing, and the adoption of a community-driven approach, it is hoped that Nigeria will make significant progress in tackling banditry, kidnapping, and insurgency, thereby ensuring lasting peace and stability in the country.
