The UK Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin and Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Leo Irabor. Photo: Twitter@AdmTonyRadakin_
The UK Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, has said that his country is affected by several security threats, just like Nigeria.
He made the comment after a three-day talk with Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Leo Irabor, and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Babagana Munguno.
“Meeting my Nigerian counterpart General Lucky Irabor for discussions aimed at furthering our shared prosperity goals, democratic values, and mutual security interests,” he tweeted on his official handle on Wednesday.
“Threats from terrorism, organised crime & maritime security affect the UK & Nigeria alike. Today’s talks build on the work of the UK military advisory team, together with @HMSTrent’s visit to Lagos in October which included exercises in the Gulf of Guinea.”
1/ Meeting my Nigerian counterpart General Lucky Irabor for discussions aimed at furthering our shared prosperity goals, democratic values and mutual security interests. @UKinNigeria 🇬🇧🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/qXjACXKIIw
— Chief of the Defence Staff 🇬🇧 (@AdmTonyRadakin_) February 2, 2022
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Great to be part of a brilliant few days in London deepening the UK-Nigeria 🇬🇧🇳🇬 security and defence partnership.
Really strong progress on areas like tackling organised crime and civilian security.
Looking forward to the next dialogue!
See below 👇🏼 for details: pic.twitter.com/KK8xZFHJeE
— Catriona Laing (@CatrionaLaing1) February 3, 2022
The meeting, which discussed a range of issues including counter-terrorism, organised crime, and human rights, also had the UK NSA, Sir Stephen Lovegrove, among others, in attendance.
It was held at the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office headquarters at King Charles Street, London and is the first since Nigeria and sealed the UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership’ in 2018.
In an earlier communique, the UK High Commission in Nigeria said “policing advisors deployed from the UK to Nigeria will share experiences and help Nigerian forces respond timely and appropriately to criminal activity across the country.
“In addition, there will be UK support to Nigeria as they roll out community policing in several states. This will help improve civilian security and allow the Nigerian army, which is currently performing many policing duties across the country, to focus its efforts on fighting terrorism!”
