The Nigeria president, Muhammadu Buhari in his first international trip after inauguration to Niamey, Niger Republic has said he is confident that the Nigerian army is capable of eradicating the terrorist group Boko Haram from Nigeria.
Speaking with journalists at the interactive session after meeting with President Issoufou Mahamadou of Niger, President Buhari said the country's military remains a virile fighting force and has earned his good reputation across the world.
The president said in the 5 hour meeting he held with heads of Nigeria’s Armed Forces and Security Agencies yesterday, the ongoing operation against Boko Haram were reviewed.
Because of the peculiarities of terrorism, and movement of terrorists across borders and the unconventional nature of the war against terror, Nigeria needs the support of their neighbouring countries. The president said that the visit to Niger is to seek more support from the country to end terrorism in the country.
The president also said he plans to hold the same meeting with the Chad counterpart after leaving Niamey on Thursday.
The President said Nigeria would also require the assistance of other nations and multi-lateral institutions to rebuild areas that had been adversely affected by the Boko Haram insurgency and rehabilitate displaced persons.
In the opening of the bilateral talks between Niger and Nigeria, President Buhari praised Niger republic for their contributions to the on-going multi-national effort against terrorism, insurgency and cross-border crimes. He said :
Permit me also to acknowledge the consistency with which the government and people of Niger Republic have stood beside Nigeria under all circumstances. I would 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.
My administration will bring new impetus and a 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.
Another issue of concern to us which is closely associated with the insurgency in the region is the influx of refugees and other displaced persons. We are aware that currently, there are over one hundred and fifty thousand 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
President Issoufou Mahamadou of Niger commended President Buhari for coming first to Niger after his inauguration. He told President Buhari that:
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.