France today promised to continue to assist Nigeria to overcome Boko Haram insurgency. The French Minister of Defence, Mr. Jean-Yves Le Drian, made the promise in Abuja while speaking at an audience with President Muhammadu Buhari.

He said that all terrorists must be seen as common enemies of the free world.

In his remarks, Buhari disclosed that a multinational taskforce will soon be established to patrol the waters of the Gulf of Guinea. He said that patrols by the multinational taskforce will augment and boost ongoing efforts to improve security in the Gulf, and curb crude oil theft and piracy.

President Buhari and Mr. Le Drian also discussed ongoing French support for the Federal Government’s efforts to end the Boko Haram insurgency.

The President expressed his government’s appreciation of the assistance and support of France and other G7 countries, which he said, has helped Nigeria achieve significant successes against Boko Haram.

“When we got into office in May, last year, Boko Haram was effectively controlling at least 14 local government areas. But now, it is no longer so, and they have resorted to attacking soft targets with Improvised Explosive Devices. We are determined to secure all of our territory effectively. We are doing our best and our troops are now operating in the Sambisa Forest,” Buhari told the French Defence Minister.

•State House Photo shows President Buhari with French Minister of Defence, Mr. Jean-Yves Le Drian, and his team . . . today at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.