President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday accepted some blame for last week’s failed attempt by Nigerian and British special forces to rescue a Briton and his Italian colleague from the custody of suspected terrorists in Sokoto.
In an interview on Cable News Network, Jonathan said it was only logical for his government to take some of the blame for the failed operation, as it would also have been commended had it succeeded.
The suspected terrorists killed Chris McManus and Franco Lamolinara as the raid to got under way.
The development drew the ire of the Italian political leadership and media, with many questioning why the British government failed to inform Rome of the operation in good time.
During the interview, Jonathan said his administration collaborated with the British and other international intelligence agencies, but did not specify who the other nations were.
“We worked with the international intelligence system. If there was success, there would have been a collective glory. Since we did not quite succeed, well, we all take responsibility.
“So I cannot say I will not take part of that responsibility: yes, I do. I’m the president of the country.”
The two hostages were seized in Kebbi in May 2011 and moved to Sokoto by their captors.
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