US: Boko Haram Still Capable of Deadly Acts

US Ambassador James Entwistle

Damilola Oyedele in Abuja

The United States has said the latest attacks by Boko Haram in Borno state which claimed over 40 lives are a reminder that despite the progress recorded, the sect remains capable of deadly and destabilizing acts of terrorism.

It also condemned the attacks and expressed condolences to families and friends of the victims.

In a statement issued by the spokesperson for the Department of State, Mr. John Kirby, the US also condemned the continued and widespread violence inflicted by Boko Haram on innocent men, women, and children in Nigeria.

Those responsible must be held accountable, it added.

"We commend the efforts by the Nigerian military, as well as the militaries of Chad, Niger, and Cameroon for the gains they have made fighting Boko Haram.  We encourage the government of Nigeria to take steps to secure and govern liberated areas by filling in behind military successes with police and civilian administration."

"The United States stands with Nigeria in the face of this threat.  We will continue to take steps to increase our support for their efforts," the statement added