Nigerian leader says recruitment base of Boko Haram thinning out

ABUJA, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- Nigerian leader Muhammadu Buhari said on Tuesday that with the narrowing of the recruitment base of the Boko Haram terror group, the era of terrorism is gradually drawing to an end in the west African country.

Buhari, while receiving letters of credence from some diplomats in Abuja, said since the troops renewed an onslaught on them, the terror group had found it very difficult to recruit more fighters.

He noted that the terrorist group has lost its appeal in its initial strongholds, necessitating a steady retreat that will eventually culminate in ending attacks.

"It is part of our success story that Boko Haram is finding it more difficult to recruit people," Buhari said, adding the ongoing effort to dismember the terrorist group, and render it completely powerless, will be intensified.

The group has been trying since 2009 to establish an Islamic state in northeastern Nigeria. More than 15,000 people have been killed and millions displaced. Enditem