Israel Joins Nigeria to fight Boko Haram

Israel has offered to give Nigeria technical assistance in combating terrorist activities by the Islamist group Boko Haram.

Moshe Ram, the Israeli ambassador to Nigeria made the offer while giving a lecture at the Kawara State based University of Ilorin's Center for International Education.

"We know how to deal with terrors in Israel. We put up a good intelligence base," Ram said. "You must prevent terror attacks at the level of its conception, because when a terrorist is on his way to carry out his mission, you cannot stop him."

"We have offered our assistance to Nigeria," he said adding that political will and good intelligence gathering techniques were key in tackling terrorism.

Ram gave a lecture titled: Nigeria-Israel Relations: Harnessing opportunities for capacity development in tertiary education, during which he said Israel country was open to cooperation with Nigeria and will not hesitate to offer assistance when called upon.

"Our hands are always open to our friends and partners, Nigeria is one of them," the ambassador said. "Efforts are on the way over this, we cannot say more than that now. It falls under a bi-lateral arrangement and relationship."

Boko Haram claims to be opposed to any political or social activity associated with Western society including receiving a secular education.

The group has since staged several attacks in different parts of northern Nigeria, fuelling tension between Muslims and Christians.

Boko Haram's previous attacks include a 2010 New Year's Eve blast at military barracks, bombing of the police headquarters and the UN headquarters in Abuja, 2011 Christmas Day bombings on the outskirts of the capital and in the north-eastern city of Damaturu.

Some experts believe that Boko Haram may be forging ties with al-Qaeda-linked groups in Africa.

The incessant attacks have raised global concern, with a US Congressional report - released in November 2011 - warning that Boko Haram was an "emerging threat" to America and its interests.

from africanreport