A report has claimed that the United States’ consideration of designating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern began during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
According to the report by Daily Sun, Buhari’s refusal to accept the help of the US in the fight against terrorism contributed to the closer watch of the country.
Diplomatic sources who spoke to the publication mentioned above explained that there was a perception by the US that Nigeria was not serious about fighting terrorists.
A source claimed that during the Buhari administration, the United States sought to assist Nigeria in combating the terrorist menace and had discussions with the country’s intelligence agency and officials of the Nigerian Mission in Washington, United States, but was rebuffed.
It was gathered that the deceased president had asked government officials who hinted at the US intention to assist if anybody told them Nigeria needed help.
Sources revealed that when the US saw the previous government’s body language, it interpreted it to mean that Nigeria was not serious about ending terrorism and therefore Washington beamed a searchlight on the country.
“They have monitored and concluded that there is no seriousness on our part. The entire waters of Nigeria and borders were monitored by the United States intelligence, including movements of terrorists,” the diplomatic source said.
It was gathered that after Buhari left office, the US was expecting more proactive security measures and improvement in the fight against terrorism, but discovered that the country was becoming helpless and therefore decided to act.
The source said that President Donald Trump is acting on intelligence report, adding that if the US said it would go after the terrorists it should be taken seriously.
He recalled that the US special forces once swooped on Nigerian bushes and rescued an American held hostage by terrorists, saying that this shows how much they know about the security situation in the country.
“The US forces came in and rescued a kidnapped American and left with him unhurt. This shows how strong their intelligence is and how swift they could act,” he said.
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