ECOWAS: Buhari Laments Growth Of Boko Haram

President Muhammadu Buhari has told West African leaders that the spread of Boko Haram activities in the region should be a cause for concern among them.

Buhari made this known while addressing the extraordinary summit of ECOWAS heads of state and government on counter-terrorism, taking place in Burkina Faso.

He also lamented the ease with which terrorist groups, including Boko Haram access funds and acquire sophisticated weapons.

Buhari stated that regional integration is still being threatened despite West African countries making significant progress in combating terrorism.

According to him, “The frequency of attacks, the determination and resilience of the terrorist groups as well as the ease with which they raise funds and acquire sophisticated weapons are matters of serious concern which should engage our attention as a Community,” he said in a statement issued by Femi Adesina, his spokesman.

“Equally worrisome is the continuing spread of the menace of terrorism in the region and the growing link between terrorism and organised crime.

“And the best way to achieve this objective is through coordinated regional actions and responses against terrorism, insurgency, banditry, inter-communal disputes while we also put in place policies and measures that will address their root causes including the re-establishment and protection of livelihoods.”

Naija News recalls that the New York Times had reported that Boko Haram insurgents are upgrading their operations with improved weapons and drones, while the Nigerian military is fighting the insurgents with inefficient tactics and obsolete weapons.