TheCable

The United States says Boko Haram remains “deadly” despite recent progress on the battlefield against the insurgency.

The country asked President Muhammadu Buhari to secure areas which the military liberated from the insurgents, and condemned Tuesday’s attack that claimed 40 lives in Borno state.

In a statement issued by John Kirby (pictured), spokesman of the department of state, the country commended the African nations involved in the fight against insurgency and pledged to increase its support.

“We offer our deepest sympathy and condolences to the families and friends of the victims of recent attacks in Borno State, attacks that resulted in more than 40 deaths,” the statement read.

“We condemn in the strongest terms the continued and widespread violence inflicted by Boko Haram on innocent men, women, and children in Nigeria. Those responsible must be held accountable.

“These latest attacks serve as a reminder that despite progress on the battlefield, Boko Haram remains capable of deadly and destabilizing acts of terrorism.

“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.”