US to Buhari: Keep up pressure on Boko Haram

As the Federal Government weakens Boko Haram, United States yesterday advised President Muhammadu Buhari to sustain the momentum.Washington has urged the President to put more pressure on Boko Haram to ensure the insurgents do not regroup even as the country distanced herself from the Nigerian government negotiations with the group that led to the release of 21 Chibok girls recently. United States Under-Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy and Human Rights, Sarah Sewall, told Daily Sun in Maiduguri that the Buhari administration has made progress in the fight against Boko Haram, but Washington wants the Federal Government to step up pressure on the terrorists. “From our experiences, insurgency and terrorist groups can be very resilient, can move and again reconstitute themselves. So, it’s absolutely critical that both federal and state levels of governments partner very closely the military campaigns to ensure they can provide security, services and good governance for the country as Boko Haram is pushed out particularly in the neighborhoods. At the same time, Nigeria needs to put pressure on Boko Haram,” Sewall said. She said the United States which claimed not to be disposed to negotiation with terror groups, would not comment on how Nigeria secured the release of her citizenry abducted by terrorists but would rather support the country’s efforts at getting rid of all forms of terrorism acts. “We’re doing what we can in supporting Nigeria through the military efforts; military partnership which include providing information. We’ve been engaged in the training of the Nigerian Army. We’re pleased to be partners with the Nigerian military,” she noted. Read more at http://sunnewsonline.com/