Nigeria’s insecurity deteriorating, British envoy declares

British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing has shown concern at the worsening security condition in the nation, promising that the UK government was eager to assist Nigeria win its fight against insecurity.

Liang said, “We are extremely concerned about the deteriorating security situation.

British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing

“I mean, Nigeria is facing a lot of problems everywhere, in the Northeast, terrorism; in the Northwest, banditry, kidnapping; in the Middle Belt, the farmers-herders conflict; in the South, the Niger Delta conflict everywhere.

“And the secession movements in the Southeast. So, Nigeria is really struggling.”

The Commissioner stated these perspectives while addressing reporters on the sidelines of a reception held to welcome home the 2019/2020 UK Chevening Scholarship beneficiaries.

Laing declared that the UK government had been assisting the Nigerian military in the areas of training, campaign planning, and how to counter Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

She said, “Well, we are here to support and help. We have the military team here, who came here after the Chibok girls were kidnapped actually. We are still here, training the Nigerian military, helping them to do campaign planning, how to counter IEDs.”

Laing added that the current visit of the UK’s Minister of Armed Forces, during which he interacted with the Nigerian Government at the highest level, which include the Service Chiefs, likewise displayed the dedication of the UK government.

She, however, appealed to the Nigerian government to be a bit more specific about the support they required from the UK and what the UK can offer.

Laing said, “So, we are here for the long time. This is a Nigerian partnership. Your insecurity becomes our insecurity if we don’t help you tackle it. So, we are here and we are trying to do our best to support you.”

The Chairperson, Nigerian Diaspora Commission, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa appealed to the Chevening scholarship beneficiaries to teach the knowledge and skills acquired to Nigeria’s development.

Dabiri-Erewa, who was represented by the Secretary of the Commission, Sule Bassi, showed gratitude the UK government for the scholarship opportunity which several Nigerians had profited from.

Dabiri-Erewa said, “Your return to Nigeria should make a meaningful impact, as you are expected to contribute your own quota to Nigeria’s development and polity.”