Buhari Denies Including Nigeria In Saudi-led Islamic Coalition
President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday denied including Nigeria in the Saudi-led Islamic State Anti-Terrorism Coalition against ISIS.
It was reported widely on Tuesday after Saudi Arabia announced a 34-nation Islamic military coalition, with Nigeria listed among, a move welcomed by the United States, which has been urging greater regional efforts to push back the Islamic State.
However, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, denied any report of Nigeria joining the coalition adding that President Buhari is yet to decide whether to join or not.
Advertisement
Speaking to Reuters on Thursday, Garba said: “Nigeria has been formally invited to be a member of the alliance and President Buhari is looking into it.
“A decision to join has not been taken yet. Nigeria is not in or out.”
A list published by the Saudi state news agency included Nigeria alongside other Islamic nations, mostly battling homegrown militants.
