The United States of America has expressed concern over alleged
ongoing reports of excessive use of force by Nigerian security
operatives in the name of combating Boko Haram, including extrajudicial
killings, prolonged detention, and disappearances, series of attacks
going on in some parts of Nigeria, saying however it values the strong
partnership it has with Nigeria and respects the role Nigeria plays on
the world stage.
According to a statement issued yesterday by the Consulate in Abuja, “We remain deeply concerned about increasing insecurity in Northern Nigeria and the potential threat it poses to stability in both Nigeria and the region.
The rising cycle of violence is affecting Nigerian citizens the most, with the number of civilian casualties increasing.
However, the Federal Government in a swift reaction faulted the US demand saying it had already ordered a thorough investigation into the matter.
In a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati the government said that the assertion that government was using a force based approach to counterterrorism was false because a much-dimensional approach was being employed including dialogue.
“The April attacks in Baga, with reports indicating civilians
indiscriminately killed and homes and businesses wantonly burned,
demonstrate the extent to which the Nigerian people continue to suffer
from this violence. Counter terrorism and counterinsurgency campaigns
are complex and difficult. As a partner, we seek to find ways to help
Nigeria build its capacity to address multiple threats to its security.
“As they did this week in Bama, Boko Haram has terrorized the people of Northern Nigeria, killing thousands over the past three years with bombings, shootings, kidnappings, and coordinated attacks on security forces and facilities. The United States condemns Boko Haram’s campaign of terror in the strongest terms and has worked to help Nigeria address the threat of terrorism. Those members of Boko Haram responsible for the violence must be held accountable in accordance with the rule of law.”
The US government went further to state that “We are concerned that such an indiscriminate, force-based approach to counter-terrorism is increasing extremism and decreasing confidence in the federal government. These tactics tarnish Nigeria’s reputation as an emerging leader and a stable democratic government.
According to a statement issued yesterday by the Consulate in Abuja, “We remain deeply concerned about increasing insecurity in Northern Nigeria and the potential threat it poses to stability in both Nigeria and the region.
The rising cycle of violence is affecting Nigerian citizens the most, with the number of civilian casualties increasing.
However, the Federal Government in a swift reaction faulted the US demand saying it had already ordered a thorough investigation into the matter.
In a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati the government said that the assertion that government was using a force based approach to counterterrorism was false because a much-dimensional approach was being employed including dialogue.
File photo: United States President Barack Obama and President Goodluck Jonathan
“As they did this week in Bama, Boko Haram has terrorized the people of Northern Nigeria, killing thousands over the past three years with bombings, shootings, kidnappings, and coordinated attacks on security forces and facilities. The United States condemns Boko Haram’s campaign of terror in the strongest terms and has worked to help Nigeria address the threat of terrorism. Those members of Boko Haram responsible for the violence must be held accountable in accordance with the rule of law.”
The US government went further to state that “We are concerned that such an indiscriminate, force-based approach to counter-terrorism is increasing extremism and decreasing confidence in the federal government. These tactics tarnish Nigeria’s reputation as an emerging leader and a stable democratic government.
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