AU Reiterates Commitment in Nigeria’s War against Terrorism

AU Reiterates Commitment in Nigeria’s War against Terrorism

*Says Boko Haram has been decimated

The African Union (AU) has reiterated its commitment in assisting Nigeria and other countries in the Lake Chad Basin axis affected by the menace of the Boko Haram terrorist group.

The union also commended Nigeria's efforts at checkmating the activities of the insurgents in the country, adding that the gradual return of law and order in most part of Borno State is an attestation of the decimation of the Boko Haram sect in the region.

Nigeria's Permanent Representative to the AU, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, reiterated the continental body's commitment on Monday when he led members of the AU Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) on a courtesy visit to Nigerian Foreign Affairs Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama, in Abuja.

Adeoye, who disclosed that the council in the last five days have been visiting countries along the Lake Chad Basins affected by activities of insurgents, called on the international community to support the millions of people displaced by Boko Haram activities who are in dire need of humanitarian support.

According to the envoy, the council embarked on the trip to the region to have first-hand information of the level of destruction done in the area by Boko Haram terrorists and to fashion out policies and programmes that would not only checkmate terrorism in the area and globally, but equally see how best those returning home could be assisted in adjusting to life.

He said: "We have come here for three reasons: firstly to get a first-hand information on the security situation; also we have come here to look at the humanitarian situation and to offer strong political solidarity to Nigeria and other countries affected by terrorism in the Lake Chad Basins region.

"We have come here to support Nigeria in tackling terrorism and to express the backing and support of the AU."

Adeoye said the visit enabled them to see the havoc done to both human and communities by Boko Haram terrorists, and assured Nigeria that effort would be made to rally support in addressing humanitarian needs of the victims.

He disclosed that the issue of child soldiers was of particular concern to the team, and advised governments to put machinery in place to arrest the development.

The Nigerian representative also commended Nigeria's military in the effort at routing terrorism from the area, adding that unlike other communities in some countries of the Lake Chad basins visited,  law and order is returning to Nigeria.

Earlier, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Onyeama, thanked the AU for its support in Nigeria's struggle against what he described as one of the deadliest terrorist groups in the world.

He said the visit would afford the AU the opportunity to have first-hand information on what the country has been facing. "It is absolutely important for AU to be fully engaged, and we appreciate your visit," he said, adding that the visit will help fine-tune policies that will help the region tackle the issue of terrorism.