No Nation Can Defeat Terrorism Alone – President Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday night said that Nigeria and neighbouring countries must stand together to defeat the terrorists group, Boko Haram in the sub-region. Buhari made the remark at a state dinner in Yaounde, during his two-day working visit to Cameroon.

“We recognize that none of us can succeed alone. In order to win this war we need the collective efforts of each one of us, standing together as a formidable force for good, to defeat and end these acts of terror against our people,” the Nigerian President said.

Buhari maintained that countries in the sub-region cannot afford to falter in their resolve to get rid of the evils of terrorists. He also informed guests at the dinner hosted by President Paul Biya that the security situation in the region presented an opportunity for Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Benin to work together for their common security, peace and socio-economic development.

“Let me assure all of my relentless pursuit of all possible means to safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity, protect the lives and property of our citizens as well as my commitment to continue to collaborate with Cameroon and our neighbours, within the framework of the Lake Chad Basin Commission.”

“The Federal government of Nigeria is committed to respecting international norms to resolve this matter and to restore normalcy to all the affected areas as soon as possible,” President Buhari added.

Buhari, who had earlier on his arrival on Wednesday held a closed-door session with his host, thanked President Biya for providing refuge to Nigerians who had fled their homes because of the insurgents.

While pronouncing Nigeria’s willingness to expand economic partnerships with Cameroon through increased joint ventures in infrastructure development, transport and commerce, among others, Buhari lauded the country for its support to Nigerian military and security personnel in the fight against terrorism and offered his condolences to the families of the victims of terror in both countries.

Moreover, the Cameroonian President in his remarks said: “Mr President, a dark cloud is looming over our countries even as we welcome you; we are facing the same threat, which may rock the foundation of our two nations. This danger bears the name of Boko Haram, its atrocities and crimes are jeopardizing peace around Lake Chad and especially in our two countries.”

“We cannot allow this cancer to spread, we must pool our resources and forces and share our experiences,” he affirmed.