Nigeria army announces full support for Buhari

Nigeria’s armed forces have dismissed suggestions that they should take over from President Muhammadu Buhari, who is facing pressure over the country’s worsening insecurity. It was not the first time Nigeria’s armed forces have issued a statement backing Buhari, but the latest has come after weeks of criticism of the 78-year-old former general’s failures to stem the protracted security crisis. In a statement late Monday, the armed forces said they would continue to “fully” support the government, remain politically neutral and protect Nigeria’s democracy.

Last week, lawmakers had urged Buhari to declare a nationwide state of emergency after a month of almost daily attacks, kidnappings and killings.