Nigerian troops will continue to defeat Boko Haram – Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday expressed optimism that Nigerian troops would maintain the momentum they had built up in the ongoing operations against Boko Haram.

Speaking at an audience with the outgoing French Ambassador to Nigeria, Jacques Champagne De Labriolle, Jonathan said he was very confident that the troops would rapidly recover more occupied territory from the terrorist group.

He stated that the officers and men of the Nigerian Army he met on the frontlines in Borno and Adamawa states on Thursday were in very high spirits, well prepared and determined to successfully complete their operations against Boko Haram.

“We have already recovered much territory, and very soon our troops will clear the terrorists out of other areas not presently under our control,” the president said.

Welcoming a congratulatory message from President Francois Hollande to Nigeria for recent successes of its armed forces against Boko Haram, President Jonathan restated Nigeria’s appreciation of France’s unwavering support for Nigeria and its neighbours in the fight against terrorism.

Jonathan, particularly, commended his French counterpart for organising the Paris Summit of Heads of State of Nigeria, Benin Republic, Cameroon, Niger and Chad in May 2014 to foster greater regional cooperation against terrorism and insurgency.

He pledged that beyond the ongoing military campaign in the North East, Nigeria would continue to implement all agreements reached at the summit to ensure lasting peace and security within its borders and in neighbouring countries.

He also reassured the international community of his administration’s firm commitment to free, fair and credible polls on March 28 and April 11.

Jonathan wished the outgoing ambassador well in his future endeavours and urged him to always be a “good ambassador of Nigeria’’.

In his remarks, Amb. Labriolle said that France was “confident in the future of Nigeria and its ability to continue playing a huge role in Africa and world affairs”.

The ambassador also expressed delight at improved trade and economic ties between Nigeria and France in the last three years.

According to him, over 250 French companies are currently operating in Nigeria.