The Japanese Government has expressed concern over the rising state of insecurity and terrorism in West Africa, especially in Nigeria.
Speaking at the Launch of the West Africa Operations Support Programme at the National Defence College in Abuja, the Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Ryuichi Shoji, condemned acts of terrorism, kidnapping and human rights violation by Boko Haram.
He made the statement against the the backdrop of the result of instability in the Sahel region that has provided a safe haven for terrorist groups like Al-Quida in Maghreb, which is linked with the Boko Haram Islamic Sector.
Shoji reiterated his government’s condemnation of “the series of attacks against innocent people and the acts of serious violations of human rights, such as the abduction of civilians, which could not be justified on any grounds or for any purpose.”
Terrorism, he said, was the common enemy of all members of the international community and “as such, Japan firmly stands by the side of the Nigerian Government and people in their fight against terrorism.
“The Government of Japan is committed to Africa’s peace and stability, which is an indispensable element for the prosperity and economic transformation of Africa.
“However, conflicts, terrorism and elements of instability still remain in some parts of the continent. In the West Africa context, the situation of the Sahel region has been a major concern for the countries in the region as well as that of the world.”
Shoji further noted that “through the project we are here to launch, we make additional efforts to strengthen the capacity of West Africa’s PSO training in Nigeria and also extend a grant aid of $500,000 to United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for this project.”
He also promised that the Japanese government will strengthen co-operation with Nigeria especially in the fight against terrorism and insurgency.
