‘Nigeria spent $2.6bn on Boko Haram humanitarian crisis in 2016’

Chief of Defence Staff, Abayomi Olonisakin has said Nigeria spent $2.6 billion to address the humanitarian challenges caused by Boko Haram terrorists in 2016.

Olonisakin made this known at the meeting of the ‘global coalition working to defeat ISIS’ in Washington, DC, United States.

“After over $2.6 billion was spent by the Nigerian Government to address humanitarian needs in 2016 – more needs were seen when areas were recovered from Boko Haram,” he said.

“Many in this room joined us in Oslo, Norway just last February to show support with Nigeria.

“Coalition is fundamental. We, therefore, commend Secretary Rex Tillerson and President Donald Trump for remaining committed to fighting the global enemy of us all – terrorism.”

The defence chief explained that Iraq’s story in the war against ISIS was similar to Nigeria’s story in the fight against Boko Haram.

“This meeting, therefore, will further strengthen our collective resolve and determination to destroy and defeat ISIS.

“To this end, Nigeria is prepared to work with the coalition in the pursuit of the first lines of efforts towards the realisation of the aims of the global coalition,” he said.

Olonisakin said the meeting was important to Nigeria.

“Let me also add that this meeting is of great importance to Nigeria. This is because, Nigeria’s effort to defeat the Boko Haram terrorists is viewed as part of wider efforts to combat violent extremism globally especially, the defeat of ISIS.

“Nigeria is open and willing to adopt strategies from the coalition that could further enhance its success story,” Olonisakin said.

The meeting was attended by ministers of foreign affairs and senior leaders of the 68 countries of the global coalition working to defeat ISIS.

Among those who attended the meeting were chargé d’affaires of the Nigeria embassy in Washington, Hakeem Balogun and senior officials of the ministry of foreign affairs.

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