President Muhammadu Buhari says Nigeria remains grateful to the United Nations and some world leaders on their steadfast partnership in fighting terrorism.

The Nigerian leader said the spotlight on Russia and Ukraine could have easily distracted the world from other pertinent global challenges.

Femi Adesina, in a statement, said the president gave the commendation when he received the United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Wednesday.

Mr Buhari noted that the country and the African continent were already concerned that the attention on Russia and Ukraine would crowd out other issues, but the ongoing visit of the UN scribe clearly showed that “the world has not forgotten us”.

He noted that terrorism remains a threat to global peace, security and progress, with many already killed, while millions have been displaced by the insurgents over many years.

Mr Buhari told the UN scribe that the government had started a gradual, but steady process of resettlement and reintegration where citizens get encouraged to return to their farms, businesses and other pursuits in life.