TheCable

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday reaffirmed his conviction that “the end of the Boko Haram insurgency is in sight, given the added vigour with which the war against the terrorist sect is now being prosecuted by Nigeria and her allies”.

Speaking at an audience with Mr Mousa Faki Mahamat, Chadian minister of foreign affairs and special envoy of President Idris Deby of Chad, Buhari said that “with higher morale among troops in the frontline against Boko Haram and their improved logistics, equipment and training, a rapid end to the insurgency should be expected”.

However, he said Nigeria and Chad must be prepared to make more sacrifices to end the scourge of Boko Haram since they are “at the very heart of the insurgency”.

“We will sustain our effort, and the insurgents will be defeated soon,” Buhari vowed.

The special envoy of the Chadian president said that Deby appreciated the leadership being shown by Buhari in the war against terrorism.

“We also appreciate the diligence shown in appointing a commander for the multinational joint task force, and President Deby believes that the fight will end in a few months,” he said.

“Our people rely on us to end the insurgency, because economic development is being hampered. This fight has to come to an end. My coming here is to reaffirm our full commitment. Beyond the number of troops earlier announced, Chad is still ready to commit more soldiers.

“The enemy is weakened already. Let’s stand firm, and neutralize them.”

Buhari’s latest promise comes on the back of continued Boko Haram attacks in the northeast. Last week, at least 50 people were killed in a bomb attack in Borno last Wednesday.