President Jonathan Appoints Gen. Aliyu Gusau As Defence Minister, Charges Him To Stop Boko Haram Killings

The Nigerian President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has appointed a former military general from the Muslim north as his defence minister, as he looks to combat an increasingly bloody armed conflict with Boko Haram.

Wednesday's appointment of Aliyu Gusau may lead to a change in strategy in the raging battle against the Muslim rebel group.

The increasingly and deadly attacks by Boko Haram made the position to be vacant since June 2012, when Jonathan sacked Mohammed Bello, former defence minister.