Africa Focus: Nigeria in pledge to end Boko Haram insurgency within 3 months

For the first time, the Nigerian government has set a deadline to end the six-year Boko Haram insurgency that has claimed more than 10,000 lives and displaced millions.

President Muhammdu Buhari last week ordered his newly-appointed military chiefs to defeat within three months Boko Haram militants that are active in the northeastern region.

Fighter jets and helicopters have been smoking out the militants from their fortified bunkers deep inside Sambisa Forests, supporting the advance of ground force.

Months of operations have clobbered the militants and retaken most territory, but small-scale attacks and suicide bombings remain a nightmare for Africa's most populous nation.

This year alone, Boko Haram has left thousands of civilians dead in vicious attacks on villages, schools, churches and mosques.

The government has come under increasing pressure to confront the crisis.

Newly-appointed National Security Adviser, retired Maj.-Gen. Babagana Munguno, earlier visited the forces in operations in northeast, giving orders from the president to wipe out the militants.

He stressed the government's resolve to provide all necessary logistics for the troops.

"I am telling you this, and you can take it as if it is coming from the president himself that you are going to be given everything you require, not only for the operation but for your personal welfare," he told soldiers.

He also appealed for support from local residents, saying that it will be difficult to end the insurgency without that and urging a "strong military/civilian relationship".

He assured the locals that work to reconstruct communities hit by Boko Haram and rehabilitate displaced people would soon begin.

Buhari has met with leaders of neighbouring Chad, Niger and Cameroon to discuss the ongoing joint offensive against Boko Haram.

He has also visited the United States to seek military and financial support. Endit