President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday asked the United States Government to support Nigeria’s efforts in tackling growing insecurity in Africa.
In a virtual meeting with Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, President Buhari said the United States should consider relocating US Africa Command (AFRICOM) from Stuttgart, Germany, to Africa.
Buhari said AFRICOM, which partners with countries to counter transnational threats, should be relocated to Africa to help Nigeria and the sub-region in tackling growing security challenges to avoid spillovers.
“The security challenges in Nigeria remained of great concern to us and impacted more negatively by existing complex negative pressures in the Sahel, Central and West Africa, as well as the Lake Chad Region.
“Compounded as the situation remains, Nigeria and her security forces remain firmly committed to containing them and addressing their root causes. The support of essential and strategic partners like the United States cannot be overstated as the consequences of insecurity will affect all nations hence the imperative for concerted cooperation and collaboration of all countries to overcome these challenges.
“In this connection, and considering the growing security challenges in West and Central Africa, Gulf of Guinea, Lake Chad region and the Sahel, weighing heavily on Africa, it underscores the need for the United States to consider relocating AFRICOM Headquarters from Stuttgart, Germany to Africa and near the Theatre of Operation,’’ he said.
The President said Nigeria would enhance collaborations in all forms, with friends and strategic partners, to work together for greater security for all, which remain the most essential condition for overcoming the existential challenges.
KanyiDaily recalls that the Africa Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) had recently announced the arrival oof 144 policemen and women from Nigeria to help the country fight insecurity.