Nigeria’s army chief vows to crush insurgents amid US pressure over religious violence

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By Camillus Eboh

ABUJA (Reuters) -Nigeria’s new army chief promised on Friday to step up military operations against Islamist militias in the northeast, days after U.S. President Donald Trump warned of possible military action if Abuja fails to curb violence against Christians.

Trump last week designated Nigeria a “country of particular concern”, a list of countries that the U.S. says have violated religious freedom. He said on Saturday he had asked the Defense Department to prepare for possible “fast” military action if Nigeria does not crack down on the killing of Christians.

Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu made his remarks during his first operational visit to Borno State, the epicentre of a 16-year insurgency that has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions.

“The Nigerian Army under my command will leave no stone unturned,” Shaibu told troops in Borno. “We will pursue this fight with renewed energy, clear focus and absolute dedication to end this menace once and for all.”

Shaibu urged soldiers to maintain pressure on insurgent groups Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and promised improved logistics, welfare, and combat support in a bid to rally the troops.

His visit to the area follows a directive from President Bola Tinubu to reinvigorate counterterrorism efforts, the army said.

Despite gains by the Nigerian military in recent years, Boko Haram and ISWAP have this year stepped up attacks on military bases in Borno and have also targeted civilians.

(Reporting by Camillus Eboh; writing by Elisha Bala-GbogboEditing by Gareth Jones)