By December, terrorist group Boko Haram will be over, according to Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari. One of his top generals reiterated the pledge Sunday.
The statement came two days after multiple bomb blasts by Sunni Islamist group Boko Haram injured 40 people and killed 18 in two townships near the Nigerian capital of Abuja.
Both President Buhari and former President Goodluck Jonathan vowed to end Boko Haram’s continued attacks by December. Buhari came to power earlier this year.
Boko Haram have been violently active in Nigeria since 2009. The group has killed thousands of nationals in addition to other crimes.
A new military force composed of fighters from Nigeria, Chad, Niger and Cameroon will soon enter the struggle. The first actions by the 8,700-strong force will begin before the year is out, it is expected.
By James Haleavy