BH: African Union Set To Rescue Nigerian Military
African Union (AU) today called on a five-nation force of 7,500 troops to defeat what they termed as the "horrendous" rise of terrorist group, Boko Haram, in Nigeria.
Acording to the UK Telegraph, AU Commission Chief, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, in a statement after the union's Peace and Security Council meeting on Thursday ahead of today's summit said,
"Boko Haram's horrendous abuses, unspeakable cruelty, total disregard for human lives, and wanton destruction of property are unmatched"
"I am deeply concerned by the prevailing situation as a result of Boko Haram terrorist activities, including the recent escalation of violence witnessed on the ground," Dlamini-Zuma added.
"The continued attacks in northeastern Nigeria and the increasing attacks in the Lake Chad Basin, along the border with Chad and Cameroon, and in the northern provinces of that country, have the potential of destabilising the entire region, with far reaching security and humanitarian consequences."
Regional nations pledged earlier this month to commit 3,000 troops, but Dlamini-Zuma said after the meeting on Thursday it was decided that "no efforts should be spared" to defeat the insurgents.
READ ALSO: Boko Haram Controls 130 Villages And Towns, Says Human Rights Watch
"Accordingly, it is recommended that the countries of the region be authorized to increase the strength of the MNJTF to up to 7,500," she disclosed.
A major task of the force, to be deployed with an initial deadline of oneyear, will be "conducting military operations to prevent the expansion of Boko Haram and other terrorist groups activities and eliminate their presence," the statement added.
It will be recalled that the United Nations Security Council has given it’s support for plans by African countries to set up a multinational force to fight Boko Haram.
Meanwhile, Amnesty International (AI) have made more shocking revelations that shed light on why the Nigerian military failed to defend Baga and Monguno from Boko haram attacks recently.
Source: Legit.ng
