India Partnering With Nigeria To Tackle Insecurity

Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Abhay Thakur, said on Sunday that India was working closely with Nigeria to tackle insecurity by fighting terrorism and radicalisation in the country.

Thakur disclosed this while answering reporters’ questions on the sidelines of the commemoration of the 75th Independence Anniversary of India at the high commission in Abuja.

He said India would continue to support Nigeria’s security and defense agencies in tackling banditry and other related crimes.

According to him, India and Nigeria have enjoyed years of friendship dating back to the independence of both countries.

The Indian envoy said both countries would sustain the friendship across all sectors.

“There are a number of counter-terrorism initiatives both in terms of security exchanges and capacity building.

“Counter-terrorism is a key area of training for the Nigeria military.

“We are also jointly developing an Improvised Explosive Device detector which will work at a standoff range of 15 metres.

“There is just one example of joint defense research to counter-terrorism both sharing cyber terrorism.

“We have had very important visits of Nigeria’s defence and security establishments to India in the past two years.

“All heads of agencies, all heads of security establishments have met. We are working together to tackle radicalism in all our discourse.

“India and Nigeria have really stood by each other both at the United Nations and in building bilateral relations,” Thakur said.

He said India had a thriving trade relationship with Nigeria.

According to the high commissioner, India is happy with the achievements it has recorded in the past 75 years.