We stand with Niger Republic in fight against terrorism, says Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari says Nigeria will continue to stand with “all her neighbours” in the fight against terrorism.

In a statement by Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, Buhari and Mahamadou Issoufou, President of Niger Republic, agreed to strengthen sub-regional security as a way to push back against the “worrisome assertiveness” of insurgents in the sub-Sahara and Sahel regions.

According to Shehu, the decision was reached on Tuesday when Buhari called Issoufou on phone to sympathise with him and citizens of Niger Republic, following the recent killing of 137 people in a series of attacks on villages by suspected jihadists.

The attackers, who reportedly rode on motorbikes, raided several villages in southwestern Niger on Sunday, shooting “at everything which moved”.

According to the Nigerien government, the attack was “the bloodiest violence” to hit the country in years.

Buhari condemned the attacks, describing them as “heinous”.

“Our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the families of victims and people of Niger Republic,” Buhari was quoted as saying.

“Nigeria stands with all her neighbours in the fight against terrorism.”

The mounting security challenges in the West African country have led to the loss of lives and properties, as well as the displacement of thousands of Nigerien citizens.

In January, at least 100 people were killed in the western villages of Tchombangou and Zaroumdareye.

Less than a week after, another attack claimed the lives of 66 people in the country.

As part of efforts to reduce invasions, the government banned the use of motorbikes in parts of the country.