Buhari Focused, Nigeria’s Security Crises Extraordinary – U.S.

United States government says Nigeria’s security crises are “extraordinary”, and President Muhammadu Buhari is “very focused on” them.

The U.S. Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, said this during a virtual interview with journalists.

Aledeh news reports that this was part of his activities during his virtual visit to Africa on Tuesday.

Blinken stated that the U.S. is committed to supporting Nigeria in addressing these challenges.

He added that America will support with resources, information sharing, capacity building, equipment, amongst others.

Blinken said, “I think it is fair to say that the challenges that Nigeria faces when it comes to security are quite extraordinary.”

“Whether it’s terrorism, whether it’s banditry and criminality, whether it’s piracy. All of these are real challenges.”

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He added, “the United States is committed to supporting Nigeria as it meets these challenges.

“…what that involves primarily is helping Nigeria continue to build its capacity.

“Through training, through resources, through information sharing, through equipment.”

According to him, “all of that done, very importantly, with full respect for human rights.”

The U.S. envoy said it was important to deal with other factors causing conflict, violence, and extremism in the Lake Chad Basin Region.

“There, we’ve seen over time, as you know, the erosion of the basin, including because of climate change.

“That, in turn, can produce conflict over resources, new migratory patterns that put people in conflict, food insecurity, the more easy spread of disease.

“All of which can produce an environment in which terrorism, criminality, other forms of violence are more likely.”

Although many critics have described Buhari’s attitude to worsening insecurity and other crises in the country as lethargic, the American government, however, claimed he’s focused.

Blinken asserted, “So I think it’s vital that we address these, as I know President Buhari is very focused on.”

He added that President Joe Biden on this note, invited Buhari and President Uhuru Kenyatta to take part in the climate summit he convened last week.