US providing $71m support to counter Boko Haram

US providing $71m support to counter Boko Haram
On February 12, 20162:09 pm/In News
Washington – The U.S. says it supports the establishment of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) and is actively partnering with the MNJTF signatory countries in their counter Boko Haram efforts by providing advisers, intelligence, training, logistical support and equipment.
A statement on U.S. support to counter Boko Haram obtained on Friday, said the Department of State, through its Peacekeeping Operations (PKO) account, was providing approximately 71 million dollars, worth of equipment, logistics support, and training to the MNJTF signatory countries, to enable them to participate effectively in the MNJTF.
It said in September 2015, the Administration directed the use of up to 45 million dollars in Presidential Drawdown authority in defence services and articles of the Department of Defence and military education and training to support counter Boko Haram efforts.
It said the joint Department of State and Department of Defence has provided 40 million dollars Global Security Contingency Fund (GSCF) Counter Boko Haram programme specifically assisted the governments of Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria to develop institutional and tactical capabilities to enhance their joint efforts to address security on their shared borders.
It also said that it has laid groundwork for increased cross-border cooperation to counter Boko Haram in the troubled areas.
The Department of State also funds multiple counter-terrorisms, countering violent extremism, law enforcement and justice sector improvement programmes to support Counter Boko Haram efforts through International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement (INCLE).
Also through Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining, and Related Programmes (NADR), and Economic Support Fund (ESF) funding, as well as through the Trans-Sahara Counter-terrorism Partnership (TSCTP).
It said in financial years 2015 and 2016, the U.S. was providing more than US$195 million in humanitarian assistance for Boko Haram-affected populations throughout the region, including Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and refugees.
Boko Haram is an Islamic extremist group based in northeastern Nigeria that has wreaked havoc on several countries including Nigeria, Chad, Niger and Cameroon.
It has killed thousands of people and kidnapped hundreds more. Its activities have also led to the displacement of millions of people in the countries where it operates