US Refuses To Sell Cobra Attack Helicopters To Nigeria Bcos It’ ll Violate Boko Haram Human Rights

Nov 14, 2014 – US Refuses To Sell Cobra Attack
Helicopters & Lethal Weapons To Nigeria Bcos
It’ll Violate Boko Haram Human Rights – Jen
Psaki
US State Department spokeswoman, Jen Psaki
on Wednesday responded to allegations raised
by Nigeria’s ambassador to the United States,
Adefuye that the US is not helping Nigeria to
battle Boko Haram effectively.
In response to Adefuye’s allegation, Jen Psaki
on Wednesday told journalists why America has
decided not to sell lethal weapons and powerful
Cobra attack helicopters to Nigeria
In her own words:
“Nigeria has purchased helicopters that originated
in countries other than the US and nothing in our
decision prevents Nigeria from obtaining weapons
and equipment from other sources,”.
“The U.S. government has up till today refused to
grant Nigeria’s request to purchase lethal
equipment that would have brought down the
terrorists within a short time on the basis of the
allegations that Nigeria’s defence forces have
been violating human rights of Boko Haram
suspects when captured or arrested.
“We find it difficult to understand how and why, in
spite of the U.S. presence in Nigeria, with their
sophisticated military technology, Boko Haram
should be expanding and becoming more deadly.”

But Psaki said that the US refused to sell Cobra
attack helicopters to Nigeria due to concerns
about the ability of the military to use and
maintain them.
“Earlier this year, we denied the transfer of some
cobra attack helicopters to Nigeria due to
concerns about Nigeria’s ability to use and
maintain this type of helicopter in its effort
against Boko Haram and ongoing concerns about
the Nigerian military’s protection of civilians when
conducting military operations. We shared those
concerns with Nigeria before this decision and
subsequent to it.
“We’ll continue to look for ways to deepen our
cooperation with Nigeria to help it acquire the
systems and skills needed to restore peace and
security. But obviously, we’ve provided a great
deal of assistance over the past several months.”