Buhari: Multinational patrol force underway for Gulf of Guinea

President Muhammadu Buhari has disclosed that a multinational task force will soon be established to patrol the waters of the Gulf of Guinea.

Presidential spokesman Femi Adesina quoted Buhari as disclosing this yesterday while receiving French Minister of Defence Mr. Jean-Yves Le Drian.

Adesina quoted President Buhari as saying that patrols by the multinational task force would augment and boost ongoing efforts to improve security in the Gulf, and curb crude oil theft and  piracy.

He said Buhari and Le Drian also discussed ongoing French support for the Federal Government's efforts to end the Boko Haram insurgency.

He said the president expressed his government's appreciation of the assistance and support of France and other G7 countries, which he noted, had helped Nigeria achieve significant successes against Boko Haram insurgents.

"When we got into office in May, last year, Boko Haram was effectively controlling at least 14 local government areas. But now, it is no longer so, and they have resorted to attacking soft targets with Improvised Explosive Devices. We are determined to secure all of our territory effectively. We are doing our best and our troops are now operating in the Sambisa Forest," Buhari said.

Le Drian was said to have earlier assured President Buhari that France would continue to assist Nigeria to overcome Boko Haram, and that all terrorists must be seen as common enemies of the free world.

President Muhammadu Buhari has disclosed that a multinational task force will soon be established to patrol the waters of the Gulf of Guinea.

Presidential spokesman Femi Adesina quoted Buhari as disclosing this yesterday while receiving French Minister of Defence Mr. Jean-Yves Le Drian.

Adesina quoted President Buhari as saying that patrols by the multinational task force would augment and boost ongoing efforts to improve security in the Gulf, and curb crude oil theft and  piracy.

He said Buhari and Le Drian also discussed ongoing French support for the Federal Government's efforts to end the Boko Haram insurgency.

He said the president expressed his government's appreciation of the assistance and support of France and other G7 countries, which he noted, had helped Nigeria achieve significant successes against Boko Haram insurgents.

"When we got into office in May, last year, Boko Haram was effectively controlling at least 14 local government areas. But now, it is no longer so, and they have resorted to attacking soft targets with Improvised Explosive Devices. We are determined to secure all of our territory effectively. We are doing our best and our troops are now operating in the Sambisa Forest," Buhari said.

Le Drian was said to have earlier assured President Buhari that France would continue to assist Nigeria to overcome Boko Haram, and that all terrorists must be seen as common enemies of the free world.