WATCH: “We’re deeply concerned” – Trump discusses herdsmen, Benue killings with Buhari
President Buhari met with his American counterpart, Donald Trump at the White House on Monday (today).
Both leaders discussed issues bordering on security, herdsmen killings and economy.
Trump, who expressed admirable respect for Buhari, hailed the president for his commitment to the fight against corruption and terrorism in the country.
“President Buhari is taking important steps to fight corruption and improve the Nigerian business environment. He’s been a real leader in the fight against terrorism. Nigeria is leading regional efforts against Boko Haram, and ISIS in West Africa,” Trump said.
Buhari’s purchase of two aircraft from the American government was also a subject of discussion, a move which had prompted some members of the National Assembly to clamour for the president’s impeachment.
Trump said of the purchase: “We’re helping Nigeria by facilitating intelligence cooperation and providing military training and equipment. We recently sold Nigeria 12 Super Tucano aircraft in the first-ever sale of American military equipment to Nigeria. Nigeria is a valued partner and a good friend.”
On the rampaging herdsmen in the northern part of the country, Trump said America was “deeply concerned.”
Buhari, on his part, said “the issue of cattle rearers and herders in Nigeria is a very long historical thing”, but pledged to find a lasting solution to the killings.
On corruption and recovered funds, Trump hailed Buhari’s efforts, saying the president has “made tremendous progress”.
“Nigeria has a reputation for corruption but President Buhari has done a lot to cut down on that corruption. Nigeria has made tremendous progress in the fight against corruption,” Trump said.
Buhari added that the respective Attorneys General of Nigeria and the US are collaborating on the return of $500m in looted funds to Nigeria.
