Buhari seeks global ties to end terrorism

• Defence College begins geo-strategic tour of 11 states
• Dan-Ali says sacrifices by Armed Forces brought peace to North-East

President Muhammadu Buhari has said that strengthening global ties and intelligence sharing among nations will go a long way in ending terrorism. He, therefore, called on world leaders to strengthen relationship across borders and be more forthright to curb the growing sophistication in global terrorism.

Buhari, who made the declaration yesterday while receiving the Egyptian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Aseem Muhammed Hanafi Elseify, at a Letter of Credence presentation ceremony in the State House, said the recent attacks in some developed countries, such as the United Kingdom (UK), clearly show a need for stronger global collaboration and review of security architectures across countries.

“Clearly, the threat of global terrorism is getting more sophisticated by the day. So, we need leaders to work together to stop the attacks,’’ he said.The President said bilateral relations between Nigeria and Egypt in education, training and trade had been historical, urging the new ambassador to work towards expanding and deepening the scope of the relationship.

Elseify, in his remarks, said building partnership to tackle the security challenges faced by both countries would be one of his priorities.He said the Egyptian government had already established a relationship with Nigerian security outfits.

Meanwhile, in its efforts to find lasting solution to the rising youth unemployment in the country, the National Defence College (NDC) said it has deployed participants in its Course 26 to 11 states on geo-strategic tour.

A statement signed by the College Public Relations Officer, Commander Edward Yeibo in Abuja yesterday, said the participants selected for the seven-day tour of the states with the theme, “Youth Empowerment and National Security: Issues and Prospects,” are expected to arrive at constructive solutions to issues and prospects of youths’ empowerment programmes in the country.

The states selected, according to him, include Abia, Anambra, Benue, Enugu, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Kogi, Nasarawa, Ondo and Rivers.In another development, Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali, has said the return of peace to the North-East region following Boko Haram activities was due to sacrifices made by personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces. 

He said the armed forces personnel laboured day and night under very harsh conditions with some paying the supreme price to ensure peace returns to the area. Dan-Ali stated this at a news briefing in Abuja yesterday to herald the activities lined up for the 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration.