UN to initiate counter-terrorism force in Nigeria -Jonathan

Posted by admin Latest Politics, United Nations Thursday, September 22nd, 2011

THE United Nations (UN) is set to initiate a counter-terrorism implementation task force in Nigeria by November, to educate and make terrorism less attractive to the youth. President Goodluck Jonathan disclosed this in New York, United States, on Wednesday, in his presentation at the ongoing UN General Assembly debate.

He told the gathering that Nigeria would continue to work with the UN and other partners in the global fight against terrorism, adding that to this end, Nigeria was working closely with the UN Counter Terrorism Implementation Task Force (CTITF), the Counter Terrorism Executive Directorate (CTED), as well as relevant international bodies and friendly countries, to sharpen its response mechanisms.

According to him, “in this connection, the UN CTIFT will be launching its first project in Abuja in November 2011, aimed at conflict prevention and countering the appeal of terrorism to youths, through education and dialogue.”

He reiterated the determination of the country to work with all stakeholders, as it enlarged and intensified its partnership.

Jonathan said as part of Nigeria’s efforts to fight terrorism, he had signed into law the Terrorism (Prevention) Bill 2011 and the Anti-Money Laundering (Prohibition) Amendment Act on June 3.

“The new laws not only outlined measures for the prevention and combating of acts of terrorism, but also prohibit the financing of terrorism and laundering of the proceeds of crime,” he said.

Speaking on the the issue of trafficking in small arms and light weapons, the president said if the UN’s idea of resolving conflicts through mediation was to succeed, the problem of trafficking in small arms and light weapons must be frontally tackled.

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