By Olanrewaju Ajao President Boni Yayi of the Republic of Benin, Tuesday said that his country was ready to contribute 800 soldiers to Nigeria’s battle against Boko Haram terrorists.
He said the soldiers were battle ready and waiting for deployment.
Yayi disclosed this while addressing State House correspondents shortly after a bilateral talk with President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House, Abuja
He said his country would always remain on the side of Nigeria in the fight against terrorism and corruption.
“President Buhari took over the mantle of government at a time terrorism occasioned by the activities of Boko Haram 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 subregion 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.”
Buhari, in his response, said the military operation in the North East was being reduced to the remotest parts of the North East.
He said for security and economic reasons, it is in Nigeria’s interest that the country is in hood terms with its neighbours.
He added that because of Nigeria’s commitment to the course of the sub-region, it would be hosting the Economic Community of West Africa States in about nine days.
He said Nigerian officials were currently busy planning a hitch-free event.
President Buhari, who also spoke on the security in the Gulf of Guinea from Senegal to Angola, expressed the hope that improved security in that area would check the menace of oil theft.
