Nigeria's efforts to rein in raging insurgency in some parts of the country has received a major boost, as the Italian government yesterday disclosed its intention to train officers and men of the Nigerian Police and other Paramilitary agencies on how to combat terrorism and other violent crimes.
Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Margerita Boniver, disclosed this when she led her country's delegation of the Special Envoy for Humanitarian Emergencies on a courtesy visit to the Nigeria's Minister of Interior, Comrade Abba Moro.
Speaking on the occasion, she expressed the desire of her government to help stem the crisis in Northern Nigeria by building the skills of local security agencies, especially in forensic investigation and how to defend the citizenry from terror attacks.
Though she did not give details and the form the assistance would look like, she however said that her home government was unhappy with the level of senseless killings in parts of the country, particularly the north, where she said Nigeria witnessed more violent crimes.
Expressing serious worry with the development, Bonivers said, she would personally do all within her capacity to bring in other forms of assistance to the police, NSCDC and other Para-military agencies , stressing that effective policing remains one of the core ingredients of democracy.
The Italian minister who however stated that the solution to the Boko Haram attacks in Northern Nigeria would include addressing the security and socio-economic problems in the area, commended the steps so far taken by Nigeria Government, in a bid to combat the menace.
She also expressed condolence of her nation to the Nigeria Government, over the loss of lives in recent bomb blast in the country.
In his response, the minister of interior , Comrade Abba Moro expressed his appreciation to the Italian minister for finding time to visit him in spite of her tight schedules.
Onovo, told the Italian envoy of the willingness of the Nigerian government to collaborate with them in any area of training which is aimed at building the capacity of the officers and men of the Nigerian Police and other security operatives, with a view to advancing proactive policing.
He said that with the deep interest shown by Italy in the areas of crime prevention and control, it will equally help to protect investments by its citizens in the country.
He posited, "terrorism having assumed international dimension, the federal Government is exploring all possible avenues to ensure that the act is completely eradicated in the country".
The minister further reiterated the determination of President Goodluck Jonathan's led administration to properly secure the nation's boarder's, ensuring that, only foreigners who have legitimate business are allowed into the country.
