US reaffirms commitment to Nigeria in fight against Boko Haram

The United States has condemned the activities of the terrorist group, Boko Haram, saying it will continue to work with Nigeria and the region in all ways possible for the security of its people.

This was contained in an ‘X’ post by the US mission to Nigeria on Tuesday, which also gave reasons why the mission designated the group as a terrorist organisation in 2013.

The US promises comprehensive monitoring and that evaluation systems are in place to ensure US assistance reaches those in need, while strongly condemning the violence perpetrated by Boko Haram and other terrorist groups.

“Comprehensive monitoring and evaluation systems are in place to help verify that U.S. assistance reaches intended recipients. The United States condemns the violence and blatant disregard for human life perpetrated by Boko Haram and other terrorist groups in Nigeria and the region,” the post read.

Giving reasons why it designated Boko Haram as a terrorist organisation, the mission said that it was done to block financial aid from reaching the group.

“The US designated Boko Haram a Foreign Terrorist Organization on 14 November 2013 to block the group’s assets and fundraising efforts, prosecute its members, and restrict their travel to the United States,” the statement read.

Recently, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) came under heavy scrutiny for alleged terror funding after U.S. representative Scott Perry, during a congressional hearing, highlighted allegations that the agency, during the administrations of Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden, inadvertently funded terrorist groups like Boko Haram, ISIS, and Al-Qaeda through its aid programs.

READ ALSO:

According to Perry, USAID had funded terrorist organizations, including Boko Haram in Northern Nigeria, to the tune of $697 million annually.

Meanwhile, the US promises to continue to work with Nigeria to counter terrorist activities in the region.

“The United States continues to work with Nigeria and regional partners to counter terrorism,” the mission said.