Sunday, November 18, 2012

Nigeria needs disciplined force to stop Boko Haram —US


The United States government has said there is no magic formula to ending the Boko Haram insurgency.
It urged the Federal Government to adopt a multi-faceted approach to combating the sect’s violent attacks on Nigerians.
The US Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labour, Michael Posner, said this during a press conference in Lagos on Friday.
Posner expressed the US government’s concern about human rights abuses and violations by security agents in an attempt to end the sect’s violence.
He said excessive use of force might be fuelling support for the sect.
According to him, numerous reports of mass arrests, extra-judicial killings, torture and prolonged detention without due process were of serious concern to the US.
He said, “The United States is concerned about the worsening security situation in the northern part of Nigeria. But, there is actually no magic formula for solving the violent extremism posed by Boko Haram.
“What the country needs to do is to adopt a multi-faceted response in combating it. Such a response will involve the disciplined use of force in which security forces abide by the clear rules of engagement.
“Also, strategies need to be geared towards providing increased economic opportunity, enhanced social programme and more meaningful political engagement for local communities most affected by the Boko Haram violence.”
While advocating the prosecution of members of the sect as well as those who support and protect them, Posner urged security agents to always distinguish criminal insurgents from sympathisers and innocent bystanders while carrying out their operations.
He pledged his country’s resolve to help Nigeria build a professional security force capable of protecting the citizens and respecting basic human rights.
“Nigeria is a very important partner to the US and we are committed to working with the Nigerian government to help build a stable and prosperous democracy,” he added.

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