The United States is deeply worried about the apparent worsening security situation in north- eastern Nigeria and has thus called for collective efforts to tackle the insurgents, Boko Haram.
Speaking Thursday in Abuja at a meeting of the U.S.-Nigeria Bi-National Commission Regional Security Working Group, Under-Secretary of State for African Affairs, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, said US is particularly disturbed that some parts of Borno State appear to have fallen under the Boko Haram’s control.
Recently, the sect leader, Abubakar Shekau, announced that Gwoza, is now under the Caliphate rule while the insurgents have been battling to take over Bama, less than 80 miles away from the Capital, Maiduguri.
“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.
“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.
“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,” Thomas-Greenfield lamented.
However, she hastened to add that failure is not an option, saying that the reputation of Nigerian military is at stake while the children face uncertain future.
The US Under-Secretary for Africa noted, “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”.
Going forward, she said the US will not abandon Nigeria at this trying period, highlighting the various programs that have been put in place especially training of the military.
She spoke further, “In order to combat this trend, President Obama launched a major security initiative to support Nigeria and the region – the Security Governance Initiative – at our recent U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in Washington.
“We are pleased that Nigeria will be at the cutting edge of this effort, which is designed to work with countries to help them improve the transparency, governance, and effectiveness of key elements of their security sector.
“This is 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 program 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 utilized upon deployment, with clean supply chains and adequate supplies, a strong chain of command, and missions and values that address Nigeria’s counter-terrorism threat and keep civilians safe.
“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. Thus, I am very pleased that session two of our working group today will focus on Accountability and the Rule of Law.
“No conversation about security is complete without addressing issues of accountability, whether we are talking about election security or counter-insurgency. The United States stands ready to support Nigeria and its security services as they fulfill those responsibilities with restraint and impartially”.
As part of the holistic approach to tackling insecurity, the US is also putting in place education initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods in the region.
“These programs offer broadened education programs to internally displaced persons and others living in these vulnerable regions.
“The United States is especially concerned about the more than 700,000 internally displaced persons and reports that those numbers continue to increase.
“We are deeply troubled by the risks to their personal security and their economic livelihoods as well as the implications on food security,” the senior diplomat said.
She again, pledged US’ continued support for “Nigerian-led solutions to these pressing challenges. I know this is not easy. It is not easy for us and it is not easy for you. But it must be done”, Thomas-Greenfield insisted.