The U.S Permanent Representatives to the United Nations, Samantha Power, who is currently in Nigeria, has stated that the United States of America was skeptical of Nigeria’s fight against Boko Haram terrorism.
Powers revealed this during a press conference at the American University of Nigeria (AUN), while rounding off her visits to Internally Displaced Persons camps in the state.
The envoy said the election of President Muhammadu Buhari and his commitment towards stamping out corruption and extremism had rekindled the interest of the US.
She noted that although the US was not fully involved in the fight against extremism, they are, however, investing in the security of Nigeria by training some Nigerian soldiers.
The US envoy further revealed that her country was observing the political will of the Nigerian government in fighting Boko Haram but have so far been unimpressed with the corrupt practices prevalent in the fight against terror.
“When the Muhammadu Buhari led Federal Government came on board, the U.S recognised his full commitment to stop the insurgency and the anti-corruption crusade, the U.S has no alternative than to back the present administration.”
“The U.S, as part of our new resolve and commitment is now training a battalion of soldiers that will soon return home to face the insurgents headlong. The Battalion will be a high performing one equipped with the American terrorism combat and techniques on their return.”
Powers commended Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon and Niger for their collaborative actions towards ending the insurgency.
“The United States acknowledged the seriousness of these countries in their combined efforts against terrorism and it is paying off now.”
While disclosing that US government has approved $60 million aid to Nigeria and other lake Chad commission countries to help in the fight, the US envoy also stated that the military must ensure that communities rescued from Boko Haram are well protected so as to enable the returnees to rebuild their lives.
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