Defence Minister, Dan-Ali ends visit to Sudan; alerts on threats of religious extremism and terrorism in Sahel/Sahara region.

Minister of Defence, Mansur Muhammad Dan-Ali has called for a greater cooperation between Nigeria and Sudan particularly in the area of Procurement and production of military hardware.

Speaking as he concluded a 3-day official visit to the Republic of Sudan, Dan-Ali urged the member Nations of the Sahel and Sahara States to work closely in dealing with the growing threat of terror and religious extremism in the region.

Making the call while paying a courtesy call on his Sudanese counterpart Gen Ahmad Ibn Auf at Ministry of National Defence in Khartoum, Dan-Ali thanked the Sudanese authorities for been good host to Nigerian troops operating in the Darfur region.

 A statement by Col. Tukur Gusau, Public Relations Officer to the Defence minister quoted Mansur Dan-Ali saying, “Nigeria and Sudan will soon sign a memorandum of understanding that will enhance better cooperation between the Armed Forces Nigeria and Sudanese Military”. 

“The Minister was also conducted round the Military Industrial Corporation of Sudan by the Vice President of the Corporation Lt. Gen Omar Albded.

“Similarly the Minister paid a visit to Sur international company a specialist in production of military equipment.

 “The Minister and his delegation were also flown to Yarmouk Industrial Corporation at Elhusahisa town to inspect another military hard ware manufacturing company with a view of partnering with them for the take up of Nigeria Military industrial complex. 

“On a final note the Minister also visited Super camp in Nyala Darfur region to interact with troops of NIBATT 46 currently under United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID).

“The Minister advised the troops to respect laws of the land and avoid human right controversies.

 He also gave them the felicitations of President Muhammadu Buhari and the people of Nigeria for being good ambassadors in Darfur. 

 In the same vein, Mansur Dan-Ali has described good governance as the key to addressing security challenges across the African Region.  

 He made the call while attending the 6th annual meeting of the Ministers of Defence of Sahel-Sahara states in Abidjan.

 The Minister urged member Nations to work closely in dealing with the growing threat of terror and religious extremism in the region.

 Similarly, the Minister drew the attention of member states towards addressing environmental and cybercrime matters so that the youth especially will have a better means of livelihood instead of being potential recruits for the terrorists.

  He gave assurance that Nigeria is committed to the realization of the objectives of CEN-SAD.  

 “Nigeria also endorsed the establishment of Regional Counter Terrorism center with Headquarters in Egypt with a promise to support the laudable initiative” he said.

 The CEN-SAD Ministers also unanimously agreed Nigeria should host its 7th meeting in 2018.

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