*Claims many security threats faced by Nigeria are trans-border in nature
President Muhammadu Buhari says he is satisfied with the way the Nigerian Armed Forces and their allies are winning the war against terror and banditry in Nigeria in spite of unabated attacks and deaths recorded almost every day in the country.
Addressing the Graduation Ceremony of Senior Course 41 at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC) in Jaji, Kaduna State on Saturday, President Buhari said: “Your response to Boko Haram insurgency, banditry, militancy, kidnapping as well as activities of separatists and armed militias, among others have been very commendable. The Nigerian Armed Forces have also committed huge resources towards the stability of the West African sub-region and world peace in general.”
He also blamed the uptick in violent attacks in the country on criminal activities happening in neighbouring countries, saying: “Many of the security threats faced by Nigeria are trans-border in nature. That is why the West African sub-region and indeed the African continent must step up the level of military cooperation that currently exists amongst us.
“I am sure you are aware of the collaboration of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Republic of Cameroon, Niger, Benin and Chad in a multinational operation to decimate Boko Haram terrorists in the Lake Chad Basin and other regions.”
But the Nigerian president, in his assessment of the situation believed the country’s armed forces were making progress.
“The effort is laudable and has continued to yield positive results, as the war on terror is being won on all sides. I want to assure you that Nigeria, in partnership with our allies, will not relent until terrorists are completely decimated,” he told them.