800-man troop from Benin Republic to join fight against Boko Haram – Yayi

President of Benin Republic, Boni Yayi, Tuesday said his country was now ready to send 800 military men to help fight Boko Haram terrorists in Nigeria’s North-East.

Yayi had in August made a promise to contribute to the Joint Task Force team already fighting against Boko Haram. He said the men were now battle ready and waiting for deployment.

President Yayi made the disclosure while briefing journalists at the Nigerian Presidential Villa, Abuja, after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari. Yayi was in Abuja for a day working visit.

Countries in the Lake Chad Basin Authority, which include Benin Republic, Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad and Niger Republic, had set up a Multi-National Joint Task Force to strengthen inter-border security and reduce the free movement of terrorists within the nations’ borders.

Commending President Buhari’s leadership style, Yayi promised to always cooperate with Nigeria, saying “President Buhari took over the mantle of government at a time terrorism occasioned by the activities of Boko Harm is high.

“To fight terrorism, Benin is ready to send about 800 men to join the men that are already prepared to fight terrorism. The team is battle ready for deployment.

“The will power is there and Benin is committed to deploying the men. Benin will always remain on the side of Nigeria in its trying times. The sub-region is also going through serious problems of development.

“Fighting Boko Haram is becoming difficult because OPEC countries are going through oil crises. We will always stand beside Buhari in his fight against corruption.”

In response, Buhari said the JTF military operation in the North East had since been reduced to the remotest parts of the North East, adding that for security and economic reasons, it was in Nigeria’s interest to be in good terms with its neighbours.

Nigeria, the President also said, is getting ready to host the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) in about nine days, to celebrate its 40^th anniversary as part of its commitment to the sub-region.