Niger’s parliament unanimously approved late on Monday the deployment of troops to northern Nigeria as part of a regional offensive against Islamist militant group Boko Haram, which has launched several cross-border attacks in recent days.
Niger is joining a new regional force to combat the Nigerian radical Islamic militia. On 6 February, Boko Haram struck across Nigeria’s border into Niger for the first time, broadening the regional conflict.
New York Times reported that Boko Haram militants crossed the Komadougou River separating Nigeria from Niger and attacked Bosso, a remote town that provides shelter for thousands of refugees who left their country due to ongoing war in Nigeria.
An army officer in Niger said the fighters were pushed back after at least three hours of combat. The officer told New York Times, that Niger’s army is in control of the situation.
Yesterday, another deadly bombing hit the main market in the border town of Diffa on Monday afternoon and Niger’s parliament voted unanimously to join the new African Union-backed force.
The resolution, backed by all 102 lawmakers who took part in the vote, authorises the country to send some 750 troops to Nigeria, a member of parliament told AFP.
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