Boko Haram: US envoy visits Nigeria, seeks coordinated military campaign

The United States Ambassador to the United Nations, Samantha Power, will between April 16 and 23 visit three countries to harp on the growing threat Boko Haram poses to the Lake Chad Basin.

Adding, US said it is seeking more coordinated military campaign against Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad.

“Boko Haram is one of the deadliest terrorist groups in the world. It poses an acute threat to civilians across the Lake Chad Basin, and the group’s increasing lethality and relationship with ISIL are cause for alarm.

“As the world notes with sadness the second anniversary of the kidnapping of 276 schoolgirls in Chibok, Nigeria, we must work with partners in the region to develop a comprehensive counter-Boko Haram effort that includes a more coordinated military campaign, improved humanitarian access and response, a well-resourced stabilisation and governance strategy, and expanded efforts to combat violent extremism,” it said.

Power is expected to engage with the Nigerian leadership and civil society in Abuja before travelling to the North-East to visit a settlement camp for civilians displaced by Boko Haram’s violence. Finally, she will host a town hall with students and will participate in a ‘Peace through sports’ event with young Nigerians.