Boko Haram: Nigerians, not foreigners deserve commendation, says group

The Coalition for Women Advancement in Africa, on Saturday said  only Nigeria and Nigerians deserve commendation for winning the war against Boko Haram and not some foreign elements like the United Kingdom and United States authorities that are taking advantage of the media to snatch the glory of the sacrifices of our armed forces and the political will of President Mohammadu Buhari.

Speaking at a press conference today through its Executive Vice President, Mrs Jummai Samuel Pukat, the group described the abduction of over 200 girls from government Secondary School Chibok as inhuman, adding that this present administration will leave no stone unturned in bringing an end to insurgent acts in the country.

The group said the new military chiefs have put the insurgents in their rightful place as funds are no longer diverted for personal use of service chiefs or their political allies and the Nigerian Army now records victories against terrorist on a daily basis.

“Boko Haram commander one after the other gets apprehended even as the terrorists’ foot soldiers are surrendering to our troops. Displaced persons are returning home to rebuild towns and villages that Boko Haram once occupied. The success story is one that everyone is angling to be part of.

“We even saw on CNN that a retired American general was backing the work of the Nigerian Army against Boko Haram. He said Nigerian Army is winning but quickly added that they (the US) have been supporting Nigeria”.

They warned that the US should stop claiming responsibility for the feat performed by Nigerian soldiers. They also expressed dissatisfaction over the fact that Western world take the glory of battles won by Nigerian Army calling to mind cases of Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Sudan amongst others.

“We believe we have every right to be alarmed that Western interests are again on the verge of editing the history of the war against Boko Haram terrorism in way that will suggest that they cleaned up Nigeria’s mess. We appreciate all humanitarian aid and support so far but it is important to note that the war on terrorism was won by the Nigerian Armed Forces and credit must be given strictly to the President Buhari led administration, the service chiefs he meticulously appointed, officers and men of the Armed Forces who put their lives at risk every day.

“We cannot forget many countries that not only sat down on the side-lines until this moment but also did all they could to discourage others from coming to Nigeria’s aid when it matters most”

Condemning the acts of giving weapons to rebels to kill our soldiers and civilians the group called on Nigerians not to allow anyone or nation diminish us as a country. While appraising the efforts of the Nigerian Army they called on all and sundry not to relent in efforts to ensure that the Chibok girls are rescued.