Gist
Nigeria’s security situation deteriorating – UK cites banditry, breakup calls
The United Kingdom is disturbed about the security situation in Nigeria.
British High Commissioner, Catriona Laing, spoke to reporters at a reception for the 2019/2020 UK Chevening Scholarship beneficiaries.
“We are extremely concerned about the deteriorating security situation”, NAN quoted her as saying.
The envoy observed that Africa’s most populous nation is facing a lot of problems.
“In the Northeast, terrorism; in the Northwest, banditry, kidnapping; in the Middle Belt, the farmers-herders conflict.
“In the South, the Niger Delta conflict…and the secession movements in the Southeast. Nigeria is really struggling.”
The official said her country had been helping the Nigerian military on training, campaign planning, and counter-IEDs.
Laing assured that the UK was prepared to offer support and advised the Nigerian government to be precise on the areas of needs.
“Your insecurity becomes our insecurity if we don’t help you tackle it. We are trying to do our best to support you,” he stated.
Laing disclosed that Nigeria has 1,300 Chevening alumni occupying top positions.