The Nigerian Minister of Defense, Badaru Abubakar, has announced plans to strengthen defense cooperation with the European Union to combat terrorism and banditry in the country.
This development was disclosed on Monday during a meeting with the Director of Peace Partnership and Crisis Management Department of the European External Action Service in Brussels, at the Ministry of Defense headquarters, Casmin Dirban, in Abuja.
It could be recalled that Nigeria has been grappling with persistent insecurity related to terrorism and banditry, affecting several states across the country.
The North-Eastern states of Borno and Yobe have been particularly hit by the Boko Haram insurgency, while the North-Western states of Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, and Kebbi have struggled with banditry and kidnapping.
Also, some North Central states like Plateau, Benue, and Niger have also experienced insecurity, with attacks on communities and farmers.
These security issues have resulted in significant loss of life, displacement of people, and disruption of economic activities.
A statement made available to newsmen on Monday shortly after the meeting by the Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Minister, Mati Ali, stated that the meeting discussed improving cooperation on security matters, particularly in the area of counter-terrorism.
The statement reads, “This development is significant, given the regional security challenges facing Nigeria and its neighbors.
“Strengthening defense cooperation with the EU could provide Nigeria with access to advanced military equipment, training, and strategic support.
“Badaru’s call for strengthened defense ties aims to bolster Nigeria’s efforts to combat terrorism and banditry.”
The minister also emphasised the need for deeper collaboration and relationship-building between Nigeria and the EU on security and defense matters.
“We need to work deeply on our security and defense collaboration and relationship,” he said.
He therefore called for a deliberate effort to explore more areas of cooperation to effectively tackle the menace of terrorism and banditry across the country.
Earlier, Dirban, accompanied by the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Gautier Mignot, acknowledged the existing bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and the EU.
He expressed a desire for stronger relations, highlighting the potential for enhanced collaboration in the fight against insecurity.
“This partnership could lead to enhanced military capabilities and more effective counter-terrorism strategies,” he explained.