Catriona Laing, British High Commissioner described Nigeria’s expressed security situation as concerning especially as each of Nigeria’s geopolitical zones grapple with one form of conflict or the other
She stated that the country 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.”
As per NAN’s report, the high commissioner said this while speaking to journalists on the sidelines of a reception held to welcome home the 2019/2020 UK Chevening scholarship beneficiaries.
“We are extremely concerned about the deteriorating security situation.
“I mean, “And the secession movements in the south-east. So, Nigeria is really struggling,” Laing said.
Indicating UK’s firm support for Nigeria, she noted that Military teams have been deployed to the country to provide support and train the Nigeria military since 2015, following the abduction of Chibok girls.
“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.
“So, we are here for a 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,” she said.
The high commissioner also commended the Chevening programme, saying it was an initiative by the UK government aimed at preparing future leaders who would not only excel in academic qualifications but also give back to their respective countries.
Abike Dabiri-Erewa, chairman of the Nigerian Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), who was represented by the secretary of the commission, Sule Bassi, urged the Chevening scholarship beneficiaries to impart the knowledge and skills gained for Nigeria’s development.
“Your return to Nigeria should make a meaningful impact, as you are expected to contribute your own quota to Nigeria’s development and polity,” Dabiri-Erewa said.
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