The United States has said that defeating Boko Haram requires a comprehensive approach.
The US Deputy Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, at a press conference on Thursday in Abuja, assured Nigeria of America’s support “as Nigeria develops this comprehensive approach.”
Blinken stated that rescuing the abducted Chibok schoolgirls remained one of US priorities.
He said, “Defeating Boko Haram requires a comprehensive approach that involves the region and includes not only a strong military response, but also sustainable security for liberated areas, good governance, development, and opportunity for the civilian population.
“It also requires a strong commitment to human rights, the absence of which only alienates the people and drives them toward Boko Haram. As Nigeria develops this comprehensive approach, the United States will deepen our support.”
The deputy secretary of state said the US had been assisting Nigeria by providing training, equipment, advice, information, intelligence sharing and logistic support, adding that America recently donated $40m to the global security fund as part of the moves to promote joint efforts with the Lake Chad countries to strengthen cross-border security, cooperation and capacity to combat Boko Haram.
Also, Blinken stated that the US government, as part of the support package, released $5m to the Multinational Joint Task Force to strengthen the fight against the insurgents.
He assured that his country would begin training for investigators and training on border security, post-blast investigation and crisis management.
Blinken said, “I know there are many more young girls and women who are missing, our focus is on them as well. We will continue to provide assistance to the government in an attempt to look for them, find them and bring them home.”
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