EU advises Govt on other methods to fight pressing insecurity
By Modupe Shodeinde
The European Union (EU) has advised the Federal Government to look beyond military deployment in the ongoing war against terrorism in the Northeast and other crises causing insecurity across the country.
The Head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Ambassador Ketil Karlsen, said this while addressing a media briefing ahead of Europe Day 2021.
According to him, insecurity crises in the country have shown that while the military option should not be foreclosed, other options, including dialogue and legal instruments, should be evolved and explored.
Karlsen declared the commitment of EU to a strong and robust mutually beneficial partnership with Nigeria, as well as continued support in addressing challenges and seeking opportunities.
He said the EU-Nigeria partnership had never been stronger and more relevant, even in the face of recent upheavals, noting that the EU bloc of 27 member states remains Nigeria’s biggest trading partner, first investor, a top donor of humanitarian and development aid and the biggest diplomatic network.
He stated that the EU is “supporting government’s efforts to fight terrorism, radicalisation and violent extremism as well as the reform of the criminal justice system.”
He said multiple examples of EU engagement in Nigeria include working with the authorities to bring an end to security challenges across the country.
