French President Hollande congratulates Nigeria on Boko Haram clampdown

French President Hollande congratulates Nigeria on Boko Haram clampdown

President Francois Hollande of France has sent a congratulatory message to Nigeria for recent successes of its armed forces against Boko Haram. The message was conveyed  on his behalf by the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Jacques Champagne De Labriolle during an audience with President Jonathan at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

In a statement signed by Presidential Spokesperson, Dr. Reuben Abati, President Jonathan expressed confidence that the Nigerian troops will maintain the momentum they have built up in ongoing operations against Boko Haram and rapidly recover more occupied territory from the terrorist group.

Jonathan said that the officers and men of the Nigerian Army he met on the frontlines in Borno and Adamawa states yesterday were in very high spirits, well prepared and determined to successfully complete their operations against Boko Haram.

“We have already recovered much territory and very soon our troops will  clear the terrorists out of other areas not presently under our control,’’ the President assured the French Ambassador.

President Jonathan restated Nigeria’s appreciation of France’s unwavering support for Nigeria and its neighbours in the fight against terrorism noting the Paris Summit of Heads of State of Nigeria, Benin Republic, Cameroon, Niger and Chad in May 2014 to foster greater regional cooperation against terrorism and insurgency as a major contribution

The President pledged that beyond the ongoing military campaign in the North East, Nigeria will continue to implement all agreements reached at the summit to ensure lasting peace and security within its borders and in neighbouring countries.

The President wished the outgoing ambassador well in his future endeavours and urged him to always be a “good ambassador of Nigeria’’.

In his remarks, Ambassador Labriolle said that France was “confident in the future of Nigeria and its ability to continue playing a huge role in Africa and world affairs”.