The United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) and the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) on Friday commended the Federal Government for its anti-terrorism measures.
Mr. Vladimir Voronkov, Under-Secretary-General of the UNOCT, and Ms Michèle Coninsx, Assistant Secretary-General and Executive Director of the CTED, gave the commendation at the conclusion of their visits to Nigeria on the invitation of the government.
The United Nations Information Council (UNIC) in Lagos said in a statement yesterday that the visit was to identify, in close consultation with the government, concrete areas where the United Nations could provide technical assistance.
It said this was aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s efforts to address the threat posed by Boko Haram and other terrorist groups in the country and in the sub-region.
It said the process took account of recommendations previously identified by the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Committee and endorsed by the government.
The joint delegation met Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, key ministers, heads of agencies, as well as the Chairman of Human Rights Commission, Civil Society Organisations, women’s groups, the UN Country Team and representatives of the diplomatic community.
It quoted Mr Voronkov as saying: “The government of Nigeria has a strong legal framework to combat terrorism. We want to do more to assist the government to implement this framework in an inclusive manner and in accordance with international standards,” he said.
In her remarks, Coninsx said: “The government has made remarkable progress in countering terrorism and in addressing violent extremism in a challenging and complex environment.
“Despite the continuing asymmetric threat posed by Boko Haram, authorities have mobilised their capacities to develop rehabilitation and reintegration programmes with limited resources”.
“Addressing underlying conditions that may be conducive to terrorism and a cycle of violent extremism requires a long-term commitment, adequate resources, and coordinated support by the government with all partners,” she said.
Also, Avanessov said that the joint delegation witnessed the strong commitment and political will of national partners, including civil society.
“They have been able to focus on the prevention of violent extremism through development and local initiatives with particular attention to youth and women as well as reintegration and rehabilitation programmes,” he said.
The joint delegation visited the Bulumkutu Transit Centre in Maiduguri, Borno, where they met the Theater Commander and civil society organisations as well as boys and girls participating in the rehabilitation programmes.
They also visited Abuja international airport where they were briefed on challenges related to aviation security and the impact of the capacity-building programme provided to airport staff through the support of UNOCT.
