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The United Kingdom (UK) has reaffirmed its commitment to combat counterterrorism and work with partners to tackle this enduring and evolving threat.
A press statement on Friday by the Communications and Public Affairs Officer, Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, British High Commission Estelle Sackey said the aim of CONTEST, the UK’s counterterrorism strategy, is to reduce the risk from terrorism to the UK, its citizens and interests overseas, so that people can go about their lives freely and with confidence.
The statement added the UK Home Office officials conducted a comprehensive review of evidence on the terrorist threat and of the UK’s strategic response to inform this revised strategy.
According to the statement, the latest version of the CONTEST framework empowers UK government departments, devolved administrations, local authorities, frontline emergency services, intelligence agencies, and other partners, to work together to counter terrorism. “Our global allies, and independent experts, recognise the core CONTEST Framework – Prevent, Pursue, Protect and Prepare – as world leading.”
It added that: “The UK continues to work with partners and colleagues in Nigeria to foster greater collaboration, share learning, and deliver together against a common threat.”
Speaking at the CONTEST launch event held in Abuja, British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery said:
“A terrorist threat can emerge suddenly and grow rapidly. To enable us to respond, we must systematically build on our counterterrorism partnerships. The UK is looking to increase its diplomatic and political interventions in support of our CT objectives wherever we can, both to support operational activity, and to support our key partners. That’s why I was delighted to host partners and colleagues of this community, to share the UKs CONTEST strategy, as a way to bring people together to build stronger relationships and explore opportunities for collaboration.
As President Tinubu said in New York, “the entire region faces a protracted battle against violent extremists. Only together, can we address this threat.”
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
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