President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday rounded off his two-day visit to Cameroon, urging Nigeria’s neighbours to join the anti-Boko Haram war.
He said Nigeria and the neighbouring countries must stand together to defeat the terrorists.
The President spoke at a dinner held in his honour at the Unity Palace in Yaounde to close his working visit to Cameroon.
According to him, countries in the sub-region cannot afford to falter in their resolve to rid their domains of terrorism.
He said: “We recognise that none of us can succeed alone. In order to win this war, we need the collective efforts of each one of us, standing together as a formidable force for good, to defeat and end these acts of terror against our people.”
He also told guests at the dinner hosted by President Paul Biya that the security situation in the region presented an opportunity for Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Benin to work together for their common security, peace and socio-economic development.
Buhari said: “Let me assure all of my relentless pursuit of all possible means to safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity, protect the lives and property of our citizens as well as my commitment to continue to collaborate with Cameroon and our neighbours within the framework of the Lake Chad Basin Commission.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria is committed to respecting international norms to resolve this matter and to restore normalcy to all the affected areas as soon as possible.’’
Buhari, who earlier met his host privately, thanked President Biya for providing refuge to Nigerians, who had fled their homes to Cameroon because of the insurgents.
He praised Cameroon for its support to the Nigerian military and security personnel in the fight against terrorism, even as he offered his condolences to the families of the victims of terror in both countries.
The President announced Nigeria’s willingness to expand economic ties with Cameroon, through increased joint ventures in infrastructure development, transport and commerce, among others.
Buhari welcomed the achievements so far recorded by the Nigeria-Cameroon Joint Commission and all the landmark agreements signed by both countries.
Describing the relations between both countries as cordial, he acknowledged the roles played by past and present leaders and Nigerians in sustaining friendly relations with Cameroon.
Biya, congratulating Buhari for a successful inauguration into office, said his electoral victory had provided an opportunity for him to preside over the “destiny of Nigeria”.
He said: “Mr. President, a dark cloud is looming over our countries even as we welcome you; we are facing the same threat, which may rock the foundation of our two nations.
“This danger bears the name of Boko Haram. Its atrocities and crimes are jeopardising peace around Lake Chad and especially in our two countries.
“The number of dead and victims are rising; economic activities have been crippled in affected areas; the number of refugees and displaced persons are ever increasing.
“We cannot allow this cancer to spread; we must pool our resources and forces and share our experiences.’’
Biya, who reaffirmed Cameroon’s commitment to the fight against terror, welcomed the “fresh push” on economic ties between both countries through easing of trade.
“I strongly believe in your readiness to work towards that goal and your visit to Cameroon, as well as the discussions we have had, have strengthened my conviction.” he said.
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