The Russian Foreign Ministry strongly condemns the latest crimes of gangs in Nigeria, which have resulted in human casualties, as well as the destabilization of the socio-economic situation in the North-East of the country, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Between 9 and 13 June, a number of terrorist attacks took place in North-Eastern Nigeria, targeting members of the Nigerian armed forces and the local population. More than 120 civilians and Nigerian military personnel were killed in the attacks, and many were injured.
"The Russian Foreign Ministry strongly condemns the latest crimes of gangs in Nigeria, which have caused great loss of life, as well as the destabilization of the socio-economic situation in the North-East of this country and the deterioration of the overall criminal situation. We consistently support the measures taken by the government of Nigeria to effectively counter terrorist groups, including in the framework of collective efforts on the African continent, " the Ministry said in a statement.
It is noted that the Russian Federation will continue to work together with the Nigerian authorities on the anti-terrorist track both on a bilateral basis and on various international platforms, primarily in the UN.
"We express our deep condolences to the families and friends of the victims, and wish them a speedy recovery," the Ministry added.
In Nigeria, the radical Islamist group Boko Haram, also known as the "West African province of the Islamic State" (a terrorist organization banned in the Russian Federation), operates. Its fighters oppose the Western model of education and seek the introduction of Sharia throughout the country. The group is behind most of the regular attacks in response to the military campaign against it, which is carried out by Niger, Cameroon and Chad.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Creative Commons
Based on materials from RIA Novosti