(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/75306000/jpg/_75306515_line976.jpg) (http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/80356000/gif/_80356846_nigeria_boko_haram_v7.gif) On patrol with Cameroon army (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-30078626)
(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/75306000/jpg/_75306515_line976.jpg) President Biya knows the outlook is grim and alliances are needed urgently.
"The global terror threat requires a global response, especially from the African Union and other regional bodies," Mr Biya told diplomats recently.
"On my part, I continue to believe that the threat from Boko Haram, al-Shabab and other groups will be eradicated only through a joint international effort," he said.
Hard question Although refugees and violence are spilling over the borders, Nigeria remains the epicentre of the crisis.
The problem here is February's election and the prospect of power appears to be trumping the political will to turn the screw on Boko Haram.
France may yet play a key role. The former colonial power of Cameroon, Niger and Chad still pulls some strings in those countries.
Britain and the US are giving some training to Nigerian troops but appear reluctant to do much more - partly because of the army's well documented poor human rights record.
Expect more calls this week from African presidents for a regional military force.
The Boko Haram threat is not new, so the hard question to answer is why the countries in the region have so far failed to unite to mount a decisive military response.
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Source: BBC