Our concern on terrorism goes beyond Nigeria –Osinbajo

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), on Tuesday said that Nigeria’s concern over activities of terrorists groups goes beyond its borders.

According to him the influence of terrorist organisations across borders and the way they network among themselves, which continues to increase by the day, really calls for countries to close ranks to counter the threats posed by their activities.

He therefore renewed the call for international collaboration aimed at tackling the menace of terrorism, adding that Nigeria will continue to cooperate in the global fight.

Osinbajo stated this when he received on a courtesy call to the Presidential Villa, the Bangladeshi Chief of Army Staff, General Abu Belal Muhammad.

He said, “We are concerned about terrorism not just within our borders, we have also seen the influence of terrorists across borders and how terrorist organisations have cooperated with each other.

“We are aware for instance that some within our own borders are cooperating with ISIL and we think that these sorts of evil collaborations must have a response from countries that share similar experiences and can present a credible force against terrorists.

“Terrorism is a major problem and perhaps the most significant problem that the free world will face in the coming years.”

Osinbajo further told Muhammad that an improved cooperation between Bangladeshi and Nigerian military would go a long way in curbing threats posed by terrorist groups within and around borders of the two countries.

“We have benefitted a lot from some of your experiences in fighting insurgency in Bangladesh and we hope that we benefit even more from those experiences. We have had similar problems with Boko Haram and I know that you have also had problems of some sort with terrorist groups within the borders of Bangladesh,” Osinbajo said.

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He added that Nigeria looked to cooperating with the Bangladeshi government across different fronts including defence and the economy.

Earlier in his remark, Muhammad expressed gratitude at the reception accorded to his delegation since arriving Nigeria and said that the long standing relations between Nigeria and Bangladesh has helped in the career development of many officers of the armed forces of both countries.

He said there was however need to strengthen relations between the two countries on the defence and economic fronts so as to tackle challenges that are peculiar to both countries.

The outcome of the meeting was made available to newsmen by the Senior Special Assistant on media and publicity to the President, office of the Vice President, Laolu Akande.

 

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