The United States has faulted claims by the Nigerian Army and government that it has defeated the dreaded terrorist group, Boko Haram.
Nigerian soldier (File photo)
The United States Department of State is worried about Nigeria’s inability to effectively secure and hold onto territories recaptured from Boko Haram terrorists despite the successes recorded by the Multi-National Joint Task Force.
The US government’s assertion is contained in the United States country report on terrorism for the year 2016 submitted to the US Congress in compliance with title 22 of the US Code, according to a report by
Vanguard.
The report, published on July 19, highlighted the successes and failings of the Nigerian Army in the fight against Boko Haram terrorists.
It indicated that the Federal Government’s progress report on the fight against terror was merely a duplication of failed efforts carried over from the end of last year’s fighting season.
The report stated: “Despite gains made by the MNJTF, much of its reported progress was merely duplication of failed efforts carried over from the end of the last dry/fighting season.
“The Nigerian military was unable to hold and rebuild civilian structures and institutions in those areas it had cleared.
“Most of the remaining students abducted by Boko Haram in Chibok remained in captivity, although one girl was found in Borno, and the government of Nigeria successfully negotiated the release of 21 of the kidnapping victims.”
According to the report, terrorist activity accounted for the displacement of nearly two million persons in Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe states.
Although the report noted that the Nigerian government continued to facilitate the return of internally displaced persons to their home communities, this was sometimes done without first putting “appropriate conditions in place for safe, informed, and voluntary returns.”
“There was no evidence in 2016 of the implementation of a coordinated plan to restore civilian security in recaptured territories.”
Accusing the Nigerian government of failing to get help from regional organisations, the report said: “The Nigerian government has not invested significant resources or time enlisting regional organisations, such as the Economic Community of West African States and Economic Community of Central African States, to assist with the Boko Haram problem.
“Instead, the government of Nigeria preferred to engage Boko Haram militants in direct, unilateral military action and through the MNJTF, which is headed by a Nigerian military officer.”