Press Release: State of Emergency and Onslaught on Boko Haram insurgents in Northern Nigeria -John Kerry US Secretary of state

 

Secretary of State John Kerry 

Press Statement
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
May 17, 2013

The United States is deeply concerned about the fighting in northeastern Nigeria following President Jonathan’s declaration of a state of emergency in the Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states. We are also deeply concerned by credible allegations that Nigerian security forces are committing gross human rights violations, which, in turn, only escalate the violence and fuel extremism.

The United States condemns Boko Haram’s campaign of terror in the strongest terms. We urge Nigeria’s security forces to apply disciplined use of force in all operations, protect civilians in any security response, and respect human rights and the rule of law.