The authorities in Niger say they are preparing to carry out a major offensive targeting the Nigerian militant group Boko Haram, which will also involve military forces from neighbouring countries.
Since February last year, Boko Haram fighters have carried out more than 100 cross-border raids into southern Niger.
Niger has been working alongside other countries in the region, including Chad, Cameroon and Nigeria, to put together a joint strategy to end the threat posed by Boko Haram.
He claimed that the regional forces were now fully integrated and able to take on Boko Haram from several sides.
Massaoudou said that Niger and its allies were preparing to intervene in Nigeria, adding that the offensive would be massive and that this would be the final battle.
