Capture Boko Haram Leaders, U.S.A Tells Nigeria

Wendy R. Sherman

The United States Government on Thursday urged the Nigerian Government to capture and prosecute Boko Haram leaders for their crimes against humanity.

Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Ms Wendy Sherman who spoke in Abuja during a meeting of the United States-Nigeria Bi-national Commission Regional Security Cooperation Working Group.

Ms Wendy Sherman described the activities of Boko Haram as not offering a practical solutions to the Northern problems, but instead capitalizing on their frustration , social difficulties, economic downturn and religious differences to undermine the government and make the country ungovernable.

She said, the United States knows from experience the challenges in confronting a dreadful enemy that respects no boundaries and killing innocent civilians indiscriminately.

"Security efforts are necessary to protect innocent Nigerians, to prevent Boko Haram's acts of violence, and the hearts and minds of northern populations by protecting them and providing timely and commensurate justice to both insurgents and the victims of this unfortunate conflict. Though no easy task, a comprehensive approach that addresses socio-economic problems, articulates clear rules of engagement, and commits to accountability for those who perpetrate violence, both Boko Haram and security forces, will demonstrate to every Nigerian that their future is brighter in a more secure Nigeria.

"This may require a new social contact with Nigerian citizens that encompasses an economic recovery strategy as a complement to the government's security strategy. This approach will be successful to the extent that it can garner the support of northern governors and local officials, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations and a generation of young Nigerians who are connected to their government, locally and federally," Ms Sherman said.

She continued by saying that, "achieving success will not be easy, but we are ready to work with you as one of your strongest and most faithful friends and partners, to discuss new ways of help.

"We stand ready to work together to develop a multi-faceted strategy to counter the threat posed by Boko Haram that also demonstrates to civilians that they will be protected. Nigeria's diverse people, land, ad spirit have already established a foundation for long-term national and regional stability; however, with today's insurgent challenges, strong nations must deepen our commitment to respect human life and dignity, build peace, and prevent future atrocities, even in the midst of a protracted conflict with a violent enemy. We look forward to hearing Nigeria's unique accounts of what steps you are taking to ensure transparency, accountability and justice, including access for civil society organisations and journalists to the North and what steps have been taken to bring to justice those accused of human rights violations," She said.

Ms Sherman added that Boko Haram's threat affect both Nigeria and the United States.

"The United States remains your partner in helping to address this threat that our two nations share. We have designated three individuals as Specially Designated Global Terrorists, demonstrating our resolve in working with you to diminish the capacity of Boko Haram to execute violent attacks. We have provided assistance focused on identifying areas for information-sharing, enhancing security force professionalism and developing tactics to increase public confidence in Nigeria's security response, and improving Nigerian forensics and investigative capacity. The United States has also been working with Nigerian peacekeepers deployed to missions across Africa to make sure they have the training and equipment necessary for global peace and security missions. In fact, since 2004, we have trained over 800 staff officers and more than 41,000 troops through the Africa Contingency Operations Training and Assistance (ACOTA) programme.

"Stability, security, and prosperity are long-term goals with no easy fixes for any country, but together we can go further than we can alone. A visible commitment and demonstrated actions to protect civil liberties and ensure civilian security can go a long way toward rebuilding the trust between a government and its people upon whom our shared well-being depends.

"When government commits itself to progress and meaningful reforms, the people benefit and extremists become marginalized. By working together, we can contribute to economic growth, democratic progress, and lasting peace. These objectives are important to the United States, to Nigeria, and to the global community, and I hope that this forum will continue to further our partnership.

"Our bilateral assistance also supports economic growth, education assistance, the strengthening of democratic institutions, and particularly critically to our conversation at this forum, efforts to help Nigeria address emerging threats," Ms Sherman added.