US Denies Failing to Help Nigeria Fight #BokoHaram

The United States hit back at Nigeria Wednesday over allegations by the Nigerian ambassador of failing to help fight Boko Haram militants, saying there had been "a great deal" of US aid to Nigeria

In a speech made public Tuesday, ambassador Adebowale Adefuye had said Nigerian leaders were

"not satisfied with the scope, nature and content of the United States' support for us in our struggle against terrorists," 

Accusing Washington of not providing the "lethal" weapons needed to deliver "a killer punch" to the insurgency.

But State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki shot back saying the US had

"provided and approved sales of military equipment to its armed forces."

"These decisions are made, of course, after careful scrutiny to ensure they conform with United States law."

But she acknowledged the US had refused to transfer some Cobra helicopters due to concerns about the Nigerian army's ability to use them.

Psaki further said there were also,

 "ongoing concerns about the Nigerian military's protection of civilians when conducting military operations,"  

Saying the US would not raise such concerns

"if we didn't feel and others didn't feel that they were warranted."

Finally urging the government to investigate allegations of abuses, that Washington was ready to help Nigeria train and improve the effectiveness of its military

But Adefuye speaking to members of the Council on Foreign Relations on Monday denied the allegations of human rights abuses by the military, saying they were...

 "rumors, hearsays and exaggerated accounts" 

 ...put about by rivals of President Goodluck Jonathan and rights groups.

Source Yahoo News