US to lift ban on sale of military hardware to Nigeria

Related stories

Family Announces Burial Date of Ex-Kwara Governor, Cornelius Adebayo

By Abiola Olawale The burial date of late elder statesman...

Sex Scandal: Baltasar Engonga, Ex-Equatorial Guinea Anti-Corruption Boss Bags 18 Years

By Abiola Olawale Baltasar Ebang Engonga, a former Director-General of...

Former AGF Abubakar Malami Dumps APC, Joins ADC

By Abiola Olawale The immediate past Attorney-General of the Federation...

It’s Another Big Brother Season Of Distractions

By Uzor Maxim Uzoatu The country is going through hell...

You must marry me and my children, By Funke Egbemode

‘I will not be with a man who will...

Buhari-Obama1ABUJA — Indications emerged, yesterday, in Abuja, that the United States of America may soon relax or completely lift its restriction on military assistance to Nigeria.

The restriction  under ‘Leahy Law’ followed allegations of human rights abuses by the Nigerian military in the fight against terrorism.

US congressman, Darell Issah, who led a delegation of the Judicial Committee, made the disclosure after a meeting with the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Alhaji Aliyu Ismaila, the Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Olonishakin, and Service Chiefs of Army, Navy and Air Force and Commandant of the National Defence College, Rear Admiral Agholor.

Issah said the new direction was occasioned by the policy of the Nigerian Military Establishment regarding its operations in the ongoing war against terrorism in the country.

He said: “There were a number of things that were discussed at the meeting but basically the need for additional technical support including overhead surveillance. This was discussed because it is important in the fight against Boko Haram.

“This is because of the trust in the new regime which has began the process of ensuring that the military’s professionalism in the battle field is made in a way that we all can be confident that the rule of law is followed.

“Following this development, we have began the process of lifting restriction under the Leahy Law but the vast majority of the support U.S. provides will be given regardless of the restrictions.”

Issah said the U.S. would provide other forms of support that would not only boost the military’s capabilities but would also create the environment to rebuild devastated communities.

He said the U.S. through its agencies in Nigeria would help rebuild and rehabilitate communities and victims of insurgency in the northeast.

He said: “We are looking forward to working with the President and the military to rebuild the confidence of the people of Nigeria in the professionalism of the military.

“To make the military something that the people will rely on as the nation tries to clear insurgents and protect the civilians; that is important to the new president of Nigeria, our president and it is also important to the congress.

“But we are looking forward to a great difference in the relationship, a proactive relationship and one in which we can provide a greater level of support.”

On his part, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Mr Ismaila Aliyu, said the visit was a sign of the renewed confidence in Nigeria’s military on the global scene.

He said Nigeria now enjoyed a greater level of confidence and trust in the international community, stressing that it would impact positively on the nation’s efforts in repositioning its economy.

He said: “The U.S. believes in Nigeria, they have trust and confidence in Nigeria, that is why they are here.

“On the issue of human rights, the U.S. is pleased with what we have been doing in recent times to address the gaps that may have existed in the past.

“This visit is a follow up to Mr President’s visit to the U.S., we have said it and will continue to state that the visit was of great benefit to Nigeria, it has rekindled confidence in the relations between the two countries.”

 

Hamilton Nwosa
Hamilton Nwosa
Hamilton Nwosa is an experienced, and committed communication, business, administrative, data and research specialist . His deep knowledge of the intersection between communication, business, data, and journalism are quite profound. His passion for professional excellence remains the guiding principle of his work, and in the course of his career spanning sectors such as administration, tourism, business management, communication and journalism, Hamilton has won key awards. He is a delightful writer, researcher and data analyst. He loves team-work, problem-solving, organizational management, communication strategy, and enjoys travelling. He can be reached at: hamilton_68@yahoo.com

Subscribe

- Never miss a story with notifications

- Gain full access to our premium content

- Browse free from up to 5 devices at once

Latest stories

NDN
Latest News
Family Announces Burial Date of Ex-Kwara Governor, Cornelius AdebayoSex Scandal: Baltasar Engonga, Ex-Equatorial Guinea Anti-Corruption Boss Bags 18 YearsFormer AGF Abubakar Malami Dumps APC, Joins ADCIt’s Another Big Brother Season Of DistractionsYou must marry me and my children, By Funke Egbemode[VIDEO] Drama as Burglar is Caught in Overnight Heist at FCMB Branch in Imo2027: Why Peter Obi Proposed a Single-Tenure to Atiku, David Mark, Others -Obidient Movt RevealsOkpebholo vs Asue Ighodalo: Anxieties as Supreme Court Reserves Judgment on Edo Governorship Election Case2027 Election Battle Rages as Gen David Mark Quits PDP, Leads Coalition Against TinubuOil Markets Refocus on OPEC as Iran-Israel Conflict CoolsRussia's War Economy Faces Imminent RecessionThailand’s PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra suspended over leaked Hun Sen call2027: Atiku, David Mark, Secondus, Tambuwal, Others Hold Crucial Meeting, Weigh OptionsRanked: 40 Best Countries in the World, According to PeopleOPEC Tensions Build as Kazakhstan's Oil Production Hits All-Time High
X whatsapp