We’ll support Buhari to fight insecurity – UK

The British government has said it would continue to support Nigeria in its efforts to tackle insecurity in the country.

The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Paul Arkwright, stated this on Wednesday following the arrival of HMS Lancaster, one of the Royal Navy’s state-of-art Type 23 Duke Frigates in Nigeria on Tuesday.

On arrival, the ship’s captain and the British Defence Adviser in Nigeria, Colonel Dominic Fletcher, made a call on the Western Naval Command Apapa, and were received by its Flag Officer Commanding, Rear Admiral Ralph Osondu.

According to him, the HMS Lancaster’s visit shows the United Kingdom’s commitment to Nigeria, and to supporting Nigeria’s military as they deal with security threats at land and at sea.

Arkwright said, “The visit of HMS Lancaster is a signal of our commitment to Nigeria and Nigeria’s military forces as they face security challenges. The United Kingdom government is firmly committed to supporting President Buhari’s government and priorities across the board, in particular when it comes to scarcity.”

The British envoy noted that since the frigate, the first to fully deploy the Royal Navy’s Wildcat helicopter berthed in Lagos, a number of trainings and exercises had taken place between the Royal Navy and Nigerian Navy.

On Wednesday, the ship played host to Nigeria’s security top brass among them a representative of the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral OC Medani, the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Ralph Osondu and representatives of Army Headquarters, the Nigerian Police and National Security and Civil Defence corps.

Briefing journalists on board recently, the ship’s captain, Peter Laughton said, “HMS Lancaster is currently conducting an Atlantic patrol task to provide ongoing protection and reassurance to British regional interests and is maintaining the continuous Royal Naval Presence in the Atlantic. During such tasks Royal Navy ships call at ports to interact with Navies of our partners, foster relationships and to improve maritime security.

“As the fifth largest economy in the world, the UK has responsibilities towards it allies. But Britain also has global ambitions, namely to protect the sea ways underpinning the country’s prosperity. The Royal Navy plays a crucial role in fostering this enduring alliance with other nations.”