Thursday, June 04, 2015

Buhari: I’ve Begun Process of Ending Boko Haram
Thursday, 04 June 2015 04:02
Written by Isiaka Wakili
Nigeria Daily Trust

Niger’s President Mahamadou Issoufou (right) and President Muhammadu Buhari at a press conference shortly after a bilateral meeting at the Presidential Palace in Niamey yesterday.

President Muhammadu Buhari says his administration has begun the process of eliminating the Boko Haram insurgency.

Buhari stated this yesterday in Niamey, the capital of Niger Republic, during an interactive session with journalists after discussing with President Mahamadou Issoufou.

“I am four days in office today (yesterday) and we have already started the process of ending the insurgency,” Buhari said.

The president expressed confidence in the ability of the Nigerian military to overcome the Boko Haram.

He said the armed forces of Nigeria have earned a good reputation across the world and have remained a virile fighting force.

The president said a five-hour meeting he held with the service chiefs and heads of security agencies Tuesday had reviewed ongoing operations against the insurgents for better results.

He said due to the peculiarities of terrorism, the movement of terrorists across borders and the unconventional nature of the anti-terror war, Nigeria would continue to seek the support of her neighbours to overcome the sect.

Buhari affirmed that he visited Niger to seek more support from the country with a view to quickly ending the atrocities of Boko Haram.

He said that he would hold similar meetings on security and the war against terrorism with the Chadian authorities after leaving Niamey today.

He said Nigeria would also need the assistance of other nations and multilateral institutions to rebuild areas adversely affected by the Boko Haram insurgency and rehabilitate displaced persons.

Before the opening of bilateral talks between Nigeria and Niger, Buhari had said that his administration would bring a new impetus and renewed commitment to the efforts to wipe out the menace of the Boko Haram insurgents.

“As a first step, we have directed the relocation of the command post of the counter-insurgency operations to Maiduguri until such a time that the insurgency is completely defeated,” the president said.

He lauded his hosts’ contributions to the ongoing multi-national effort against terrorism, insurgency and cross-border crimes.

 “Permit me also to acknowledge the consistency with which the government and people of Niger Republic have stood beside Nigeria under all circumstances. I’d like to convey the appreciation of Nigeria for the sacrifices by Niger in the on-going efforts to counter the menace of the Boko Haram insurgency. Niger Republic has over the years, proven to be a reliable ally to Nigeria both at bilateral and multilateral levels. It is our hope and aspiration that this special relationship would be further consolidated during my administration,” he said.

The president said his government was also concerned about the influx of refugees and other displaced persons.

“We’re aware that currently, there are over 150,000 displaced persons comprising refugees and returnees taking refuge in various parts of Niger. Our administration will work closely with governments of the affected states to continue to provide humanitarian assistance to the displaced persons and their host communities. The ultimate objective, however, remains to end the insurgency and facilitate their return to their homes”, he said.

In his remarks, Issoufou commended Buhari for making Niger the first country he would visit after his inauguration.

“Your decision to move the military command of Nigeria to the North East has further strengthened our conviction that the war against terrorism will soon come to an end,” he said.

Issoufou assured Buhari that his country would continue to support Nigeria in the fight against Boko Haram.

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