US lawmakers declare sect a national security threat

monjola sotubo

May 18, 2015 8:20 AM

The lawmakers also said that a sustained fight against the sect is in the ‘national security interest of the United States.’

Members of the US House of Representatives have said that Boko Haram is still a threat to the country.

The comments were made at a hearing held on Friday, May 15, 2015, by the House Foreign Affairs Committee, while passing the amendment to the National Defence Authorization Act to combat Boko Haram.

According to Committee Chairman, Ed Royce:

“Boko Haram is notorious for their vicious kidnappings, killings, and pillaging throughout northern Nigeria. But the story is beginning to change – these terrorists are starting to feel some heat.”

“The Nigerian military has higher morale, and the Africa Union task force is cutting off Boko Haram’s supply lines and reclaiming towns. The pieces are coming into place to destroy this terrorist group; the forces fighting Boko Haram just need crucial support to get the job done.”

“Passing this amendment reaffirms US’ support for the forces on the front lines combating Boko Haram.”

Committee member, Carolyn Maloney supported Royce’s call saying that fighting Boko Haram must remain a national security priority.

“I am proud to stand with Chairman Royce in support of his amendment to clearly affirm that Boko Haram presents a threat not just to one nation, but to the world. Combatting Boko Haram is and should remain a national security priority – and we must remain vigilant in fighting this enemy,” Maloney said.

The amendment titled ‘Report on United States efforts to combat Boko Haram and support regional allies and other partners’ reads:

“Combating Boko Haram is in the national security interest of the United States; the United States should support regional partners, including the African Union-authorised Multinational Joint Task Force, through training and advice and the provision of key enablers to strengthen operations against Boko Haram.”

Meanwhile, the US has also maintained the $7 million (N1.4 billion) bounty it placed on Abubakar Shekau, the leader of Boko Haram, who has been named among the 71 most wanted terrorists in the world.

monjola sotubo