US Denies Refusal To Help Nigeria Fight Boko Haram

The United States has denied claims of not wanting to help Nigeria procure military weapons to fight Boko Haram. Few days ago the federal government expressed their disappointment of the American Government not wanting to supply Nigeria with the necessary weapons to fight.

In a speech made public Tuesday, ambassador Adebowale Adefuye appeared to have taken US officials by surprise when he launched into a tirade against the US administration. Nigerian leaders were "not satisfied with the scope, nature and content of the United States' support for us in our struggle against terrorists," he said. He accused Washington of not providing the "lethal" weapons needed to deliver "a killer punch" to the militants.

Meanwhile in respond to the claims, the State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki has fired back, she said that the US had “provided and approved sales of military equipment to its armed forces.” “These decisions are made, of course, after careful scrutiny to ensure they conform with United States law.”

  But she acknowledged the US had refused to transfer some Cobra helicopters due to concerns about the Nigerian army’s ability to use them. There were also “ongoing concerns about the Nigerian military’s protection of civilians when conducting military operations,” Psaki said, adding these had been discussed with the Nigerian authorities.

Washington was ready to help Nigeria train and improve the effectiveness of its military, Psaki added, urging the government to investigate allegations of abuses.

News source: Yahoo