Boko Haram Finding It Difficult To Recruit – President Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari (File Photo)

President Muhammadu Buhari has stated that the continued onslaught by troops of the Nigerian Army against Boko Haram insurgents has made it difficult for the terrorists to carry out their operations.

The president made the submission on Tuesday in Abuja when he received the Letter of Credence of Apostolic Nuncio of the Holy See to Nigeria, Most Rev. Archbishop Antonio Guido Filipazzi, at the State House.

President Buhari said the terrorist group had lost appeal in its initial strongholds, necessitating a steady retreat that will eventually culminate in ending the insurgency.

A statement by Femi Adesina, special adviser to the President on media and publicity, quoted Buhari as saying: “You can’t indoctrinate people who are below the age of 14 years and blow up churches, mosques, markets and you keep shouting God is great.

“It is either you don’t know what you are saying, or you simply don’t care or believe what you are saying. It is part of our success story that Boko Haram is finding it more difficult to recruit people.

“The Nigerian Army is also not making it easy for them to grow, with more intelligence, orientation and regular, measured onslaught on their camps.’’

President Buhari further stated the resolve of his administration to sustain the fight against corruption and stamp out every iota of corruption within the system.

“I am pleased that the African Union has spoken out boldly against corruption and appreciated the work that we are doing here,’’ President Buhari told the Archbishop.

In his remarks, Archbishop Filipazzi said Pope Francis had taken a keen interest in the fight against terrorism, corruption and reviving of the Nigerian economy.

“Mr. President, the Holy Father, sends his warm greetings and he is keen to denounce corruption everywhere,’’ he stated.

He further stated that he had travelled to the North East and was pleased with the efforts of the Nigerian Army in combating the insurgents.

President Buhari also received Letters of Credence from the Ambassador of Niger to Nigeria, Mr. Alat Mogaskia and the High Commissioner of Ghana, Alhaji Rashid Bawa.