The United States Government has decried the way Boko Haram operates freely in the North East.
Speaking yesterday at the Third Session of the Regional Security Working Group of the Nigeria-United States Bi-national Commission, in Abuja, US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Linda Thomas-Greenfield said Boko Haram could easily do the same in Kano and Abuja.
She said, “Since we last met in August 2013, the frequency and scope of Boko Haram’s terror attacks have grown more acute and constitute a serious threat to this country’s overall security.
“Boko Haram has shown that it can operate not only in the Northeast, but in Kano, in Abuja, and elsewhere. We are very troubled by the apparent capture of Bama and the prospects for an attack on and in Maiduguri, which would impose a tremendous toll on the civilian population. This is a sober reality check for all of us. We are past time for denial and pride.”
“Cameroon’s military is increasingly forced to fight Boko Haram within its borders and they flee back into Nigeria without fear. The Chibok schoolgirls and others remain hostages, enduring horrible and tragic suffering.
“Abubakar Shekau’s bold announcement that Boko Haram is now governing a “caliphate” only adds to the perception that the security situation is steadily worsening. All of these developments are deeply disturbing, and increasingly dangerous with each passing day,” she stated.