The Nigerian government has signed a deal with three neighbouring countries as part of efforts to curb the menace of the Islamic sect Boko Haram, which has killed 935 people in the past two and a half years.
The private Punch newspaper reported Monday that under the deal, signed with Cameroon, Chad and Niger Republic, the countries will collaborate in placing suspects in their respective domains under surveillance and also share intelligence reports.
The paper did not say where and when the deal was signed.
Nigerian authorities have consistently said that the ranks of Boko Haram are populated by many non-Nigerians.
Last week, Nigeria’s army chief, Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejika, reiterated the government’s position that the activities of Boko Haram were not limited to Nigeria, and that the sect was a threat to the West African sub region.
βIt is no longer news that the Boko Haram issue is not limited to the confines of our borders. The earlier we act decisively, the better for the future of this nation,β he said.