US denies failing Nigeria on Boko Haram -

The United States has replied to allegations by the Nigerian ambassador that the country failed to help Nigeria prosecute its war against Boko Haram.

The State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki shot back at the Nigeria Ambassador’s allegation

and stated that 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.” said Psaki, while also acknowledging that the US had refused to transfer some Cobra helicopters due to concerns about the Nigerian army’s ability to use them.

She alleged that there has been “ongoing concerns about the Nigerian military’s protection of civilians when conducting military operations,” Psaki said, adding these had been discussed with the Nigerian authorities.

Washington has been sharing intelligence with the Nigerian army since over 200 school girls were abducted at Chibok, northern part of Nigeria.

Psaki stressed the US would not raise such concerns “if we didn’t feel and others didn’t feel that they were warranted.”

In a speech made public Tuesday, ambassador Adebowale Adefuye appeared to have launched into a tirade against the US administration. He said that Nigerian leaders are “not satisfied with the scope, nature and content of the United States’ support for us in our struggle against terrorists,”

Adefuye accused Washington of not providing the “lethal” weapons needed to deliver “a killer punch” to the militants.

Nigerian Foreign Affairs Minister had Monday also described allegations of human rights abuses by the military has mere “rumors”, hearsays and exaggerated accounts” by those opposed to President Goodluck Jonathan