Nigeria to Contribute 3,500 to 10,000 Multinational Task Force Against Boko Haram

Cameroon President presenting a gift to President Buhari in Yaounde on 29th of July 2015

Nigeria is to contribute 3,500 troops to the 10,000 multinational task force within the Lake Chad Basin that would be launched today in Cameroon.

The task force which was a joint initiative of the countries within the African sub- region will provide a military assault against the occupation of Boko Haram in the region.

Already, President Mohammadu had arrived Yaounde, capital city of Cameroon for the commissioning of the task force.

Speaking to Journalists in Yaounde on Wednesday shortly after the President arrived the country and entered into a closed door meeting with President Paul Biya of Cameroon, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Defence, Ismail Aliyu, who was on President’s entourage said: “You know this preparations have been on for a long time and most of this participating countries of the Lake Chad Basin Commission and Benin Republic making up Niger, Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon have all contributed their troops.

“Tomorrow being 30th of July is the last day for operationalization of the multinational task force. Also as you are aware, the commander of the task force has been made the Chief of Army Staff of the Nigerian Armed Forces. A new one has been appointed. But that does not stop the operation from taking off, hopefully by tomorrow the operation will kick off.

“As usual, we are also pleading to all of us, irrespective of which country, to give this task force a chance to operate and succeed.

“Nigeria is contributing about 3,200 to 3,500 troops to the 10,000 joint task force.”

Meanwhile, President Buhari upon his arrival entered into a meeting with is Cameroonian counter-part at the Cameroonian State House called ‘Unity Palace’ at about 2:06.

Both African leaders were expected to hold bilateral talks outside the security issues.

Buhari who had arrived the VIP wing of the Yaounde International Airport at 10:50 a.m had a rousing welcome by both Cameroonains and Nigerian resident in the country who thronged to the road, waving at the motorcade.

Shops and gates of buildings by the roadside were also shut while as security was beefed by eagle eyed operatives.

Flags of both countries dotted the roads as well.

President Buhari is also scheduled to meet Nigerians residing in Cameroon around 6 p.m local time at the Hilton Hotel in Cameroon just as President Biya will host Buhari and members of his delegation including state governors at the State House around 8p.m.

A joint press conference by the two leaders was also expected at the end of the visit on Thursday.