The Nigeria
military is to receive lethal weapons from the United States of America for the war against the Boko Haram insurgents and rescue of Chibok girls.
Linda Thomas Greenfirld, the US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, and also the Commander United States Africa Command, General David Rodriguez, confirmed this report in a joint press conference on Wednesday, July 2, 2015.
Thomas-Greenfield also mentioned that President Muhammadu Buhari is scheduled to be in Washington later this month for meetings with the administration.
“And we will have discussions with him on what we can do to continue to assist Nigeria
and their effort to fight against Boko Haram.
“Part of that discussion will be how we can provide the equipment and support that Nigerians require.
“Part of what we will do is to engage with the new government, we will have discussion on what we can do to continue to assist Nigeria
in the fight against Boko Haram.
“Human rights are an important value for the United States and in any place that we are providing lethal weapons.
“We want to know that the miiltaries that we are providing those weapons to do not use that in a way that violates the human rights of ordinary civilians so we will have that discussion moving forward.
“And build confidence in communities and not be victimised by the efforts of the military in the fight against Boko Haram.’’
Thomas-Green also disclosed that the rescue of the abducted Chibok girls is high priority for the U.S. government.
“This has been an extremely high priority for the U.S. government to assist in bringing these girls home
and also hundreds of other girls and young boys who were forcefully abducted by Boko Haram.
“We will not let up on our efforts; we will continue to work
with the government,’’ she stated.
On his part, Rodriguez said the U.S. has continued to share
intelligence with the Nigerian leadership, about the Chibok girls as well as other people who have been taken by Boko Haram.
“We will continue to do that and pursue the effort of rescuing the girls.’’
The commander
said the U.S. will ensure the continuation of peace and security in Africa as a priority and that was the reason the command exists.
“The United States government is commitment to assisting African countries as they build their capacity to counter terrorism, which AFRICOM is key to providing such assistance.
“In Nigeria
we continue to share intelligence with the Nigerian military in the fight against insurgency.’’
