UK launches counterterrorism strategy

The United Kingdom (UK) has reaffirmed its commitment to combat terrorism and work with partners to tackle the enduring and evolving threat after launching its revised counterterrorism strategy.

Estelle Sackey, a communication and public affairs officer at the British High Commission in Abuja disclosed this in a statement.

The aim of CONTEST, the UK’s counterterrorism strategy, is to reduce the risk from terrorism to the country and interests overseas so that people can go about their lives freely and with confidence, according to the statement.

The UK Home Office officials conducted a comprehensive review of evidence on terrorist threat and of the UK’s strategic response to inform this revised strategy, it added.

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.

“The UK continues to work with partners and colleagues in Nigeria to foster greater collaboration, share learning, and deliver together against a common threat,” the statement noted in part.

Speaking at the CONTEST launch event held in Abuja, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, was quoted as saying, “A terrorist threat can emerge suddenly and grow rapidly. To enable us respond, we must systematically build on our counterterrorism partnerships.