Jonathan seeks German technology to tame Boko Haram

President wants assistance in the areas of security architecture, training and provision of modern anti-terrorism equipment
As the Federal Government intensifies the fight against the Boko Haram, President Goodluck Jonathan wants the German government to deploy its technology to Nigeria to assist his government in checking the activities of the insurgent group.

Besides, Jonathan also requested Germany to help the country develop the needed security architecture in the fight against terrorism.

The President, who made the appeal on Thursday in a joint media briefing with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin, assured prospective and existing investors that government was putting all necessary measures in place to guarantee security of their investments and returns on such investments.

The menacing activities of Boko Haram in some parts of the country featured prominently on the agenda during the bilateral talks between both leaders at the German Chancery in the country's capital.

"As a nation, we have security challenges, because most investors talk about security,” President Jonathan told his audience. “At present, we have the local terrorist group code named Boko Haram. From publications on this terrorist group, it paints a very gloomy picture as if the whole country is in tatters. These terrorists operate in some states in the north east part of the country, but go into other states from time to time.

"But what I can assure the global community, especially our investors from Germany, is that government is working very hard to bring it under control."

The president, who reiterated the fact that the activities of the group took the country by surprise, noted that the country would have to deplore superior technology to counter the plans of the sect.

"The area we expect our development partners, especially countries like Germany, to help is in terms of our security architecture, training and providing us with some modern equipment. You have to fight terrorists with technology because terrorists do not need to come with a rifle and you confront them one on one. They will not come to engage you, except to defend themselves, occasionally.

"So, you must have superior technology to monitor them and know how you can relate with them. And these are the areas we believe that countries like Germany and others and even the United Nations (UN) can assist us," he said.

In her response, German Chancellor stressed her country's resolve to work with the Nigerian government to bring the situation under control, saying Germany was in agreement with Nigeria on the dangers posed by members of the group to Nigeria and its reputation outside the country.

He also said that the newly established bilateral commission between Germany and Nigeria should be able to work out details of the areas Nigeria may need help.

"What is most important is the resolve of the Nigerian government to deal with such a group and to remain on top of the situation and protect the peace loving people of Nigeria who suffer most from such attacks,” she said. “Where ever we can do to be helpful, be it in training, be it in logistics, we will certainly be glad to do that and the details can then be worked out by the bi-national commission."