JUST IN: US Secretary John Kerry Arrives Nigeria, Visits Sultan Of Sokoto, Delivers Speech [VIDEO]

The United States Secretary of State, John Kerry, has landed in Nigeria on August 23, Tuesday and is currently at the Palace of the Sultan of Sokoto to discuss counter terrorism efforts in Nigeria.

Kerry who is on a two-day visit to Nigeria has stated that the battle against the deadly Boko Haram sect will only succeed if the reasons why people join militant groups to be addresses and if the government and its army gain people’s trust.

He said: “We also know that beating Boko Haram on the battlefield is only the beginning of what we must do,” Kerry said in a speech in the northern Nigerian city of Sokoto at the start of a visit to the West African nation.

“Building public trust in government also requires cooperation from the military and law enforcement. Extremism can’t be defeated through repression or fear.”

Kerry also added that America would continue identifying itself with the Sultanate in consolidation religious tolerance and understanding among Nigerians.

He added that being the first secretary of state to visit the seat of the caliphate, all hands should be on deck towards strengthening religious knowledge among Nigerians. Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar had earlier expressed delight at the visit.

Mr Kerry will also be giving a speech on the importance of resilient communities and religious tolerance in battling violent extremism. He will later today visit President Buhari.