The United States has urged developed nations to support Nigeria in its fight against Islamists insurgency, saying the West African nation cannot win the war alone.
US Ambassador to Nigeria James Entwistle, speaking at the commencement of the training assistance by the US government to about 750 Nigerian army soldiers, emphasized the need for other nations to join hands with Nigeria in the fight against terrorism.
At the inauguration ceremony of the 145 battalion training which is holding at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry (NASI), Jaji, the US Ambassador said: “I have always emphasised on partnership with Nigeria and this training is a perfect example of that partnership.
“Nigeria, US partnership extends beyond immediate gains, we need to work together to rebuild the North-East. We are two great democracies and we have many great things together.”
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Abayomi Olonisakin noted that partnership between the Nigerian armed forces and the US army is strategically borne out of shared commitment to counter terrorism and violent extremism.
“This partnership has continued to improve in many important areas one of which is in the security realm. The excellent relationship has led to several joint initiatives one of which is the commitment of the United States and her military to assist Nigeria in professionalising our security forces.
Nigeria has been battling a six-year insurgency by Islamist extremist group Boko Haram that has killed thousands and displaced thousands more.
President Buhari during his presidential campaigns pledged to defeat the militants once in office. After he was voted in, he issued a December 2015 ultimatum to the army to defeat them, but that was not accomplished, and the country continues to suffer frequent attacks by the militants.
