Wall Street Journal: Nigerian General to Lead West African Coalition Against Boko Haram
Maj. Gen. Iliya Abbah to lead army-in-waiting against Islamist militant group
ABUJA—Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday appointed an army general to lead a coalition of West African counterterrorism troops, a step forward for a fast-forming international effort against the Islamist militant group Boko Haram.
Maj. Gen. Iliya Abbah will lead the Multinational Joint Task Force, an army-in-waiting that will fight Boko Haram in the four countries in which it operates—Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroon—said Mr. Buhari’s spokesman, Femi Adesina.
The general previously served as a commander pursuing kidnappers and thieves in Nigeria’s oil-rich south.
The appointment offered further evidence of how quickly a West African army is coming together against Boko Haram. Nigeria and its neighbors have talked about creating such a force since the early days of the group’s insurgency, back in 2009.
WNU Editor: Differences still remain between Nigeria and Cameroon .... Anti-Boko Haram force delayed by political divisions (France 24) .... but this meeting is a start to resolve them.
More News On Nigeria And Cameroon Agreeing To Cooperate In Their War Against Boko Haram
Nigeria's president pledges greater cooperation against Boko Haram during Cameroon visit -- AP
Leaders of Nigeria and Cameroon try to forge closer effort against Boko Haram -- Reuters
Nigeria and Cameroon team up to fight Boko Haram -- Deutsche Welle
Nigeria Names Head of Regional Force to Fight Boko Haram -- AFP
Nigeria frees 71 people, mostly women, girls, from Boko Haram, hold them at military barracks -- AP
Chad says killed 117 Boko Haram fighters in two-week campaign -- Reuters
Chad mulls controversial anti-terror bill to fight Boko Haram -- AFP
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