Chibok girls: US renews commitment to Nigeria’s anti-terrorism efforts

• The United States reaffirms its support for Nigeria’s efforts to combat terrorism and protect its citizens, marking ten years since the tragic abduction of schoolgirls in Chibok
• The US emphasizes its commitment to partnering with Nigeria to promote peace, security, and stability in the region

As Nigeria marks a decade since the tragic abduction of 276 schoolgirls in Chibok, Borno State, the United States has reiterated its unwavering support for the country’s efforts to combat terrorism and protect its people.

April 14, 2024, marked ten years since the Boko Haram terrorist group abducted 276 girls from the Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok, a community in Borno State, on the same date in 2014, during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

According to the BringBackOurGirls campaign group’s October 2022 status report, 57 of the 276 kidnapped girls escaped captivity by jumping from the trucks on which they were being transported, 107 were released, the military rescued 16, and 96 were still missing.

However, the leader of the Chibok Parents Association, Yakubu Nkeki, told our correspondent on Thursday that 138 of the girls had been rescued or released, while 82 of them were still in captivity.

In a press release by the Head of Communication, US Embassy in Abuja, Aisha Gambari, on Sunday, the US noted that it stands alongside the Nigerian government in its pursuit of bolstering security, holding accountable those responsible for attacks, and ensuring the welfare of its citizens.

“The United States remains committed to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to combat terrorism and protect its citizens.

“We continue to support the Nigerian government’s ongoing efforts to make Nigeria more secure, to hold perpetrators of attacks accountable, and to ensure the safety and well-being of all its citizens.

“The partnership between the United States and Nigeria is built on a foundation of shared values and common goals. We will continue to work together to promote peace, security, and stability in the region and to support initiatives that foster education, economic growth, and human rights,” the statement read in part.

The US further stated that it remained steadfast in its solidarity with Nigeria in countering extremism and forging a brighter, safer future for its people.

“As we mark one decade since this terrible act, we reaffirm our support for the survivors, their families, and all those affected by terrorism.

The statement added, “The United States stands with Nigeria in its fight against extremism and its commitment to creating a safer, more prosperous future for all its people.”