UK commits to Security and Defence Partnership with Nigeria
The National Security Advisors of both the United Kingdom and Nigeria hosted the inaugural dialogue in support of the Security and Defence Partnership between 31 January and 2 February 2022, in London.
Here are some of the commitments the United Kingdom made in the communique published shortly after:
Police Reform
The United Kingdom commits to provide a package of assistance in support of policing reform in Nigeria, which will include technical assistance, training and advice, alongside exploring opportunities to support models of post-conflict policing in conflict-affected areas.
North East Security
The United Kingdom commits to continue its support for the Lake Chad Basin Regional Stabilisation Facility’s work to improve civil-military cooperation in North-East Nigeria and the wider Lake Chad Basin region, including through the provision of expert assistance. The United Kingdom also commits to continue its support for community-led security and peacebuilding in North-East Nigeria.
Human Rights
The United Kingdom commits to continue providing training for the Nigerian military on international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation and abuse, and the protection of civilians. This will also include training on human rights and sexual and gender-based violence for the Police in North-East Nigeria.
The United Kingdom reaffirms its support for long-term defence modernisation and transformation in Nigeria, and, in support, offers a refreshed package of leadership training for Nigerian military training institutions and the continuation of a training offer that builds understanding of international human rights and international humanitarian law.
Maritime Security
The United Kingdom will continue to offer support to build Nigeria’s maritime capabilities, continue to support both the Gulf of Guinea Maritime Collaboration Forum/SHADE mechanism and the Yaoundé Code of Conduct framework, and continue to collaborate with Nigeria on enhancing port security.
Terrorism
The United Kingdom also commits to work with Nigeria through the delivery of a new Prevent pilot programme to address the drivers and enablers of serious and organised crime.
In support of this commitment, the United Kingdom offers to share their experience of delivering a multi-agency approach in response to terrorist incidents. The United Kingdom also offered to share insight on terrorist financing, trans-border movements and the illegal movement of small arms and light weapons.
The UK reaffirmed its offer to support the completion of the National Risk Register through the Emergency Planning College and offered to support Nigeria to refine its counter-terrorism crisis response preparations.
A write-up of the meeting can be read by clicking here.
The full UK Govt communique can be found by clicking here.
