US Backs Nigeria on War against Terror

The United States of America (USA) has backed Nigeria to triumph in its ongoing war against terrorism, saying it is committed to partnering the federal government to defeat Boko Haram and other insurgents in the country.

The US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. James Entwistle, stated this yesterday at a one-week workshop organised by the Nigerian Army and Special Operations Command Africa-United States Special Command Counter-Insurgency and Counter Terrorism.

Entwistle said the US was committed to partnering and supporting Nigeria in its ongoing effort to restore peace and security to all Nigerians.

He said the programme was an important and timely example of their partnership adding, adding that US has a great deal of experience in counter-insurgency efforts.

"To begin, let me emphasise that the US wants Nigeria to win its war on terror. We are committed to partnering and supporting you in your ongoing efforts to restore peace and security to Nigeria," he said. 

According to him, "The US has a great deal of experience in counter-insurgency efforts, and we have learned some valuable and difficult lessons along the way.

“We hope that sharing our experiences and lessons with you will be helpful as you continue to develop and refine your own counter-terrorism and counterin-surgency strategies. Our military leaders are eager to hear some of the lessons that the Nigerian military has learned in operations in the Niger Delta, North-east Nigeria, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and other irregular conflicts across the African continent."

He said: "One important lesson we’ve learned is that while American conventional military power allows for quick tactical defeats of foreign armed forces, it has not been as conducive to long-term counter-insurgency operations. 

"Nigeria faces similar problems in the North-east region where your armed forces are very capable, with a distinguished tradition of discipline, professionalism, and commendable contributions to regional peace and security, but decisive and sustainable victory against terrorism in Nigeria will be best achieved by taking a whole-of-government approach to counter-insurgency."

Speaking further, the ambassador condemned Boko Haram’s campaign of terror in the strongest terms, while conveying US "deepest sympathy for the atrocities committed against Nigerian citizens and security forces."

He said Boko Haram had established itself as a morally reprehensible organisation with little regard for human life, adding that the US recent designation of the group as terrorists shows their commitment to help Nigeria fight against terrorism and insurgency.

"Boko Haram has established itself as a morally reprehensible organisation with little regard for human life.  We condemn Boko Haram’s campaign of terror in the strongest terms, and convey our deepest sympathy for the atrocities committed against Nigerian citizens and security forces

"Over the past three years, Boko Haram’s abhorrent violence has known no bounds, targeting Christians and Muslims, men, women, and children alike," he said. 

Entwistle continued: "Our recent designation of Boko Haram as a foreign terrorist organisation is a testament to our concern and our commitment to see an end to the group’s activities. 

"This designation allows us to more effectively shut down the ways in which Boko Haram attempts to finance its activities.  It also represents that the US stands firmly with our Nigerian friends and partners in seeing you win your war on terror." 

Earlier, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Admiral Ola Sa'ad Ibrahim, commended the US and other  countries   for their support towards defeating terrorism within Nigeria and sub-region.

Ibrahim said the theme: "Sharing Lessons Learned from Nigeria and United States on Counter-insurgency and Counter terrorism," was an indicating of a strong partnership between the two nations.