Nigerian president to visit US soliciting support against Boko Haram threat

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari is visiting the United States on Sunday to garner support from the U.S. in a move to combat the Boko Haram militant group now rampaging in northern part of the country.

A statement from the Presidency said the economy and security would top the agenda of Buhari's visit and his talks with U.S. President Barack Obama.

Buhari is also expected to discuss measures to strengthen and intensify bilateral and international cooperation against terrorism in Nigeria and West-Africa.

The meeting was also aimed at mobilizing support for Nigeria-U. S. operations against the Boko Haram terrorists.

Local observers said the visit is expected to mend the "dipped" relations between the U.S. and Nigeria under former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Officials from the former administration were openly critical of American policy toward Nigeria.

The country's ambassador to Washington complained the United States was not doing enough to help Abuja fight the Islamist Boko Haram insurgency that has ravaged the country's northeast.

Buhari is also expected to make public addresses at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington DC and at the Corporate Council on Africa to discuss international investment and Nigeria's economy.