The Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara stated that Nigeria is considering withdrawing some of its troop from the UN peacekeeping force in Mali, to aid in combating the insurgence of the militant Islamist.

Speaking at summit of  West African Union in the Nigeria capital Abuja, he revealed that the troops which are part of 12,600 troop deployed to Mali to take over from a French-led mission in 1 July, would be needed Nigeria to help maintain peace in the upcoming election that is to be held on 28 July.