The United States (US) is “troubled” by the Boko Haram menace in the Northeast its Under Secretary of State on African Affairs, Ambassador Linda Thomas – Greenfield said yesterday.
It has initiated a security programme for Nigeria and its neigbouring countries, said Thomas – Greenfield, who spoke at the U.S.-Nigeria Bi-National Commission Regional Security Working Group in Abuja yesterday.
She said: “We are very troubled by the apparent capture of Bama and the prospects for an attack on and in Maiduguri, which would impose a tremendous toll on the civilian population. This is a sober reality check for all of us. We are past time for denial and pride. “Despite our collective efforts, the situation on the ground is worsening. The conflict has affected the lives of hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of people in the Lake Chad region. Cameroon’s military is increasingly forced to fight
Boko Haram within its borders and they flee back into Nigeria without fear. The Chibok schoolgirls and others remain hostages, enduring horrible and tragic suffering. Abubakar Shekau’s bold announcement that Boko Haram is now governing a “caliphate” only adds to the perception that the security situation is steadily worsening. All of these developments are deeply disturbing, and increasingly dangerous with each passing day.
“This is a partnership in which both sides work together to identify the problem and design the solution. The United States is close to announcing he launch of a major border security programme under our Global Security Contingency Fund, which will include Nigeria and its neighbours Cameroon, Chad, and Niger.
“We continue to provide technical training to military and police forces engaged in the fight against Boko Haram. As an important part of this effort, we are pleased to provide advanced training to a Nigerian infantry battalion. We applaud the motivation of this unit and the progress it is making. It is critical that the investment in this unit be properly maintained and utilised upon deployment, with clean supply chains and adequate supplies, a strong chain of command, and missions and values that address Nigeria’s counterterrorism threat and keep civilians safe. The reputation of Nigeria’s military is at stake. But more importantly, Nigeria’s and its children’s future is in jeopardy. Failure is not an option.
“Security is a multidisciplinary endeavour that requires engagement by all aspects of federal, state, and local governments, as well as civil society in a coordinated effort.”
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