Nigeria’s new army chief, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has vowed to intensify military operations against Islamist insurgents in the country’s northeast. During his first operational visit to Borno State, the epicenter of a prolonged insurgency, he promised a campaign with “renewed energy” to crush the insurgency. This commitment comes just days after US President Donald Trump designated Nigeria a country of particular concern for religious freedom, citing violence against Christians. President Trump indicated that he has asked the Pentagon to prepare for potential military action if the Nigerian government fails to adequately address the situation. During the visit, General Shaibu promised to improve logistics and welfare to boost troop morale. His pledge is in response to both domestic directives from President Bola Tinubu and US pressure.
Reuters
