Boko Haram: We Are Ready to Help But We Won’t Sell Fighter Helicopters to Nigeria – United States

The United States has made it clear that it won’t sell cobra helicopters to Nigeria, adding that the Nigerian Government can buy fighter jets from any other country.

According to the US’ State Department spokeswoman, Jen Psaki, on Wednesday said, while responding to questions from journalists on the allegations by the Nigerian Ambassador to the US, Prof. Adebowale Adefuye, that Washington declined to sell lethal arms to Nigeria:

“Nigeria has purchased helicopters that originated in countries other than the US and nothing in our decision prevents Nigeria from obtaining weapons and equipment from other sources,”

According to the Nigerian Ambassador to the US, while speaking with members of the Council on Foreign Relations on Monday, said:

“The U.S. government has up till today refused to grant Nigeria’s request to purchase lethal equipment that would have brought down the terrorists within a short time on the basis of the allegations that Nigeria’s defence forces have been violating human rights of Boko Haram suspects when captured or arrested.

But Psaki said that the US refused to sell the helicopters to Nigeria due to concerns about the ability of the military to use and maintain them;

“Earlier this year, we denied the transfer of some cobra attack helicopters to Nigeria due to concerns about Nigeria’s ability to use and maintain this type of helicopter in its effort against Boko Haram and ongoing concerns about the Nigerian military’s protection of civilians when conducting military operations. We shared those concerns with Nigeria before this decision and subsequent to it.

She assured the Nigerian government that the US was ready to help Nigeria train and improve the effectiveness of its military, as it has started sharing intelligence with Nigeria, began training a new army battalion and held numerous high-level discussions with Nigerian authorities on additional measures to best address the Boko Haram threat.
Hmm!!! What’s your take???