New Nigerian leader vows to go after Boko Haram


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ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Nigeria's new president is vowing to go after the country's Islamic insurgent group, Boko Haram (BOH'-koh hah-RAHM').

Muhammadu Buhari made history in Nigeria -- Africa's most populous country -- as the first opposition party candidate to win elections. He's a former major general who led Nigeria three decades ago following a coup -- but he was deposed by another coup after ruling for less than 20 months.

Fresh from his victory, Buhari issued a warning today to the insurgent group. He said Boko Haram will soon learn of his "commitment to rid this nation of terror."

Boko Haram, which wants to turn Nigeria into an Islamic state, has killed thousands of civilians and carried out frequent kidnappings. But it's been hit hard in recent weeks by troops from Nigeria and allied forces from three neighboring countries.

Buhari is also warning that corruption won't be tolerated after he takes office on May 29th.

His election comes as Nigeria's economy suffers from the effects of low oil prices. Nigeria is Africa's biggest oil exporter.

%@AP Links

098-c-10-(Michelle Faul (mee-SHEHL' fawl), AP correspondent)-"General Muhammadu Buhari"-AP correspondent Michelle Faul reports a historic election in Nigeria has thrown out the incumbent and elected a 72-year-old former military dictator. (1 Apr 2015)

<<CUT *098 (04/01/15)££ 00:10 "General Muhammadu Buhari"

100-c-19-(Michelle Faul (mee-SHEHL' fawl), AP correspondent)-"well for Nigeria"-AP correspondent Michelle Faul reports it will be the first time in Nigeria's history that an opposition party has democratically taken control of the country from the ruling party. (1 Apr 2015)

<<CUT *100 (04/01/15)££ 00:19 "well for Nigeria"

APPHOTO XSA102: Nigerian former Gen. Muhammadu Buhari speaks moments after he was presented with a certificate to show he won the election in Abuja, Nigeria, Wednesday, April 1, 2015. Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan conceded defeat to Buhari, a 72-year-old former military dictator, who was elected in a historic transfer of power following the nation's most hotly contested election ever. (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba) (1 Apr 2015)

<<APPHOTO XSA102 (04/01/15)££

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