Russia Offers Support to Nigeria in Combating Terrorism

according to the English section of webangah News Agency, citing ⁤TASS via Mehr News‍ agency, Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for the Russian ‍Foreign Ministry, praised the⁢ Nigerian government’s efforts against terrorism. She emphasized that fighting terrorism is a global‍ challenge. “We believe Nigeria, ​with support from the international community,​ relevant ⁤United Nations bodies, adn the ‌African Union, will successfully carry out this mission,” Zakharova said. She added that Russia stands ready to provide any necessary assistance⁣ to Nigeria.

Boko Haram began its operations⁣ in Nigeria in 2009 before expanding into Niger,⁣ Chad, and Cameroon.​ In 2015, the Nigerian ⁤military dealt ​a ⁣severe ‌blow ‍to the group and reclaimed most of its⁣ controlled territories.⁣ That same year, some Boko Haram factions pledged allegiance to ISIS and adopted the name “Islamic State West Africa ⁣Province.”

Kidnapping for ransom by criminal groups remains prevalent in Nigeria. In April 2014, Boko‌ Haram abducted ⁢276 schoolgirls from Chibok; while 57 managed ​to escape later on, many remain missing.

Following increased attacks targeting schools, nigerian president Bola Tinubu canceled ‌his trip to the G20 summit in South africa.