The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, James Entwistle, has said no country can tackle piracy and terrorism without international collaboration.
Entwistle spoke yesterday in Lagos when he visited the headquarters of the Western Naval Command, Apapa, in preparation for an annual multinational sea exercise in the Gulf of Guinea.
The military exercise will hold in the second quarter of the year. Entwistle was accompanied by his wife, Pamela, and U.S Consul General Jeffery Hawkins.
He was received by the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) the Western Naval Command (WNC), Rear Admiral Samuel Alade; Chief Staff Officer (CSO), Rear Admiral J. K. Z. Ango; Commander of NNS Beecroft, Commodore Chris Ezekobe and other principal officers.
The ambassador said piracy and terrorism were international crimes, adding that the U.S would work with Nigeria’s security to curb them.
Entwistle said: “Piracy and terrorism are international crimes, and the only way to solve them is to work together across national borders. No one nation can tackle the vices alone.”
On why the U.S was partnering Nigeria and the likely gains from the partnership, the ambassador said: “Nigeria is the most important nation in Africa.
“We partner Nigeria, especially the Navy in the Gulf of Guinea operation, because we stand to gain from greater security in the region. We also stand to gain from a stronger Nigerian Navy.”
Admiral Alade hailed the U.S for its cooperation.
He said the Navy was benefiting from the partnership.
The Flag Officer said the Navy had been consulting with the U.S representatives, promising that the Navy would keep its part of the agreement.
“The final preparation forum, billed for next week, is expected to be a good forum where issues will be tabled,” Alade said.
Italian Defence Attache to Nigeria, Colonel Fucci Michel, and his deputy, Tony Neljulka, also visited the command as regard a military training with the Italian Navy.
The exercise, to take off next month, would enable both navies to reinforce their friendship and collaboration, Fucci said.
The defence attaché said three Italian ships would participate in the visit of Italy’s task force group and the joint training with the Nigerian Navy.
Source: The Nation
