An official of the United States of America has
warned that Boko Haram is planning to launch
attacks on Maiduguri following the fall of Bama,
Borno state second largest city.
“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,” said
Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the United States
Assistant Secretary for African Affairs.
P.M NEWS reports that the US diplomat spoke
at the opening session of US-Nigeria, Bi-
National Commission Regional Security Working
Group meeting, held in Abuja, Nigerian capital
on Thursday, 4 September, 2014.
Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the United States
Assistant Secretary for African Affairs.
According to Thomas-Greenfield, Nigeria should
swallow its pride and do away with denials and
acknowledge the threats posed by the deadly
sect.
“This is a sober reality check for us all. We are
past time for denial and pride,” she said.
The American diplomat said despite collective
efforts by Nigeria and its allies, the situation on
the ground is worsening, adding that, ‘hundreds
of thousands, if not millions’ of people in the
Lake Chad region have been affected’.
READ ALSO: U.S Indicted Over Boko Haram
Thomas-Greenfield stated that the attacks have
gone beyond Nigeria and Cameroun. “ The
Chibok girls and others remain hostages,
enduring horrible and tragic suffering,” Thomas-
Greenfield said.
She said the announcement by Abubakar
Shekau, the sect ruthless leader, that he is now
governing a caliphate in the northeast only
adds to the perception that security is ‘steadily
worsening’ .
To reverse the trend, she said, the United States
is close to announcing the launch of a major
border security programme under its Global
Security Contingency Fund, which will include
Nigeria, Cameroun, Chad and Niger.
She said the American government will continue
to provide technical training to soldiers and
policemen engaged in the fight against Boko
Haram.
“As an important part of this training, we are
pleased to provide advanced training to the
Nigerian infantry battalion.”
However well trained the security agents are,
Thomas-Greenfield said, Nigerians should
realise that no conversation on security can be
complete without addressing issues of
accountability.
“Whether we are talking about election security
or counter-insurgency,” she explained.
SEE ALSO: Modu Sheriff Speaks On His
Association With Boko Haram
Thomas-Greenfield said the United States would
continue to support Nigeria and its security
services as long as they fulfil their
responsibilities with “restraint and impartiality” .
The Boko Haram group has claimed
responsibility for several terror attacks in
northern Nigeria since 2009 when it began its
current insurgency across the country.
No fewer than 5, 000 people have lost their lives
and over half a million others have been
displaced through terror attacks carried out by
the insurgents.
naij.com

sobs

Nigeria, which way? It is glaring now that the chibok girls where just an excuse for the NA army to cover the shame of their inability, weakness and ineffectiveness. Now the breeze has blown...