Although Nigeria had requested more direct help in the fight against insurgency from the United States, U.S, the Federal Government on Thursday welcomed Washington’s decision to send up to 300 military personnel to Cameroon to help the regional fight against Boko Haram.
Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu described the deployment as a “welcome development” while the military said it was a demonstration of the needed cooperation against the Islamists terrorists.
Recall that the U.S President, Barack Obama revealed that 90 personnel had already been sent and the full contingent would conduct intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations.
“The United States has given the pledge to support the fight against Boko Haram in Nigeria and in the region,” Shehu told AFP by phone, adding that “This is the fulfilment of that pledge and we are very happy about it. The United States’ move is quite commendable.”
On his part, the Military spokesman, Colonel Rabe Abubakar said: “This is how the fight can be done collectively with partners cooperating with us to fight against a common cause — terrorism — which has been ravaging the region for some time now.
“We appeal to other nations to emulate the good example of the United States. The United States has experience in fighting terrorism.
“Fighting terrorism is not one nation’s issue. It requires a global effort. We all need to work together… to fight this evil,” he stated.
Comments