TheCable

A delegation from the United States is currently in Abuja to deliberate with the Nigerian government on security issues, including the allegiance of the Boko Haram militants to the Islamic State.

On Saturday, Abubakar Shekau, leader of Boko Haram, announced the sect’s affiliation to ISIS, which has large parts of Syria and Iraq under its control.

Led by Stephen Lynch (pictured), a member of the US congress, the delegation met with some Nigerian officials and discussed on security of US embassy in Nigeria.

“This is a critical time for Nigeria and this region,” Lynch said.

“Nigeria’s national elections are scheduled in just over two weeks, while Boko Haram controls an area in the north about the size of New Jersey.

“The bombings and other Boko Haram activities are sure to further destabilise some areas in the run up to the election. It’s a precarious situation.

“The situation can change quickly and we have to continue to find ways to collaborate with our African partners as they battle against regional terrorist organisations.”

A statement on the website of US embassy revealed that the delegation had earlier visited embassies and consulate general offices in Johannesburg, South Africa; Maputo, Mozambique; and Harare, Zimbabwe in an effort to strengthen US capacity to prevent and withstand potential attacks against foreign service operations.

“Many of our embassies and consulates were established in the 1950s and 1960s, when the security profile was vastly different than it is now,” Lynch said.

“Today, these facilities are targets and we need to adjust to the new reality and provide a more secure environment for our State Department employees.”