The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, has appealed to the Government of the United State (U.S.) to always share with Nigeria information on impending terror attacks on the country in the interest of global peace and tranquility.
He explained that such information and intelligence the U.S.A. sends to its citizens in countries with crisis could be shared with Nigeria to fight banditry and terrorism.
Matawalle made this call when he hosted the Assistant Secretary for Defence for African Affairs at the U.S Department of Defence, Jennifer Zakriski, yesterday in Abuja.
The minister sought more intelligence sharing between Nigeria and the U.S. to fight banditry and terrorism.
He listed other areas of possible collaborations to include intelligence sharing to boost the fight against insecurity.
Matawalle said: “Our discussion today underscores the importance of collaboration and intelligence sharing in tackling common security challenges.
“Nigeria values its partnership with the United States, and we are committed to enhancing our cooperation in defence matters for the mutual benefits of our nations.”
Zakriski reaffirmed the commitment of the United States in supporting Nigeria’s efforts at addressing security concerns.
She said: “Nigeria is a key partner for the United States in Africa, and our collaboration is vital in addressing shared security threats.
“Today’s meeting marks another milestone in our efforts to strengthen defence ties and enhance regional security.”
In another report, a former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo has linked the growing activities of bandits and kidnappers to the unemployment situation in Africa’s most populous country.
Obasanjo made this assertion during his address at the 9th International Trade Exhibition & Conference on Agrofood, Plastics, Printing, and Packaging which was held in Lagos on Tuesday.
The trade fair was jointly organised by FairTrade Messe and the Organisation for Technology Advancement of Cold Chain in West Africa.