by Ranti Joseph
A United States lawmaker, Stephen Lynch, is in Nigeria meeting with the Federal Government to review the US Embassy security following the recent bombings in Maiduguri and the pledge by Boko Haram to join forces with the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.
Lynch is also said to be meeting with US security and counter terrorism personnel.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, March 11, by the US embassy in Nigeria, Lynch’s visit to Nigeria was originally focused on the American embassy security and the plight of over 275 school girls who were kidnapped by Boko Haram almost one year ago.
“This is a critical time for Nigeria and this region. Nigeria’s national elections are scheduled in just over two weeks, while Boko Haram controls an area in the north about the size of New Jersey.”
“The bombings and other Boko Haram activities are sure to further destabilize some areas in the run up to the election. It’s a precarious situation,” Lynch said.
The statement noted that the Lynch was on the National Security Subcommittee and had been travelling as part of a congressional delegation led by Oversight Committee Chairman, Jason Chaffetz and Steve Russell to South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe.
It also added that the US government had committed $40 million over three years for equipment and training assistance to Nigeria, Chad, and other African countries in their efforts to fight Boko Haram.
“The situation can change quickly and we have to continue to find ways to collaborate with our African partners as they battle against regional terrorist organisations,” Lynch added.
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