‘Terrorism has no boundary’ — Lai solicits global support for war against Boko Haram

Lai Mohammed, minister of information and culture, says terrorism has no boundary and no part of the world is safe if it is allowed to thrive.

The minister spoke on Friday in Washington DC during his ongoing engagement with global media outlets, think tanks and influencers.

He underscored the need for the developed world to see terrorism as a global threat.

“Terrorism is global and has no boundary. For the world to be saved, every corner of the world must be saved,” NAN quoted him as saying.

“We can see from the example of the US, where Taliban takes over Afghanistan, a pointer to how difficult it is to fight terrorism driven by ideology.

“The western world should look into helping developing nations like Nigeria in developing their infrastructure.

“This will help to create employment and quality livelihood that will make it difficult for an ideological group like Boko Haram to recruit the youths.”

The minister called for the support of the US and other countries in Nigeria’s fight against the Boko Haram insurgency, adding that global support would go a long way in stamping out the menace.

Mohammed also warned against false narratives around Boko Haram members who are surrendering in the north-east.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) had said over 1,000 insurgents, including Boko Haram commanders and bomb experts, have surrendered to troops.

The minister criticised those alleging that the insurgents are not actual Boko Haram members and also described as “false and demoralising’’ the claim that they would be recruited into the Nigerian military.

Mohammed said President Muhammadu Buhari and the military should be commended for their resourcefulness and doggedness in the fight against insurgency.

“The fact that we are witnessing insurgents submitting in droves calls for commendation of our military for their doggedness,” he said.

“We must not forget that two months ago, Nigerians were putting pressure on the President to recruit mercenaries to fight the war against terror because they said we were losing the war.

“The president, however, remained focused and confident in his belief in the Nigerian military that they have what it takes to defeat the insurgents.

“We thank God that Mr president today has been proven right.”