U.S. fighting ISIS but refusing to send troops against Boko Haram – Jonathan

In what appears an admittance of Nigeria’s inability to deal with the terror group, Boko Haram, President Goodluck Jonathan has appealed to the United States to send troops to take on the increasingly powerful sect.

In an interview with the U.S-based Wall Street Journal, Friday, the president said he had since 2014 appealed to the U.S. government for combat troops and military intelligence to help curb the menaces of Boko Haram, but that the US turned down his request.

The president said there was intelligence about Boko Haram insurgents, currently holding some parts of the North East, receiving training and funds from the Islamic State, the jihadist group whose leadership is based in Iraq and Syria.

Mr. Jonathan asked why the U.S. was withholding help to Nigerian when it is currently involved in the fight against ISIS, according to the Wall Street Journal.

“Why can’t they come to Nigeria? They are our friends. If Nigeria has a problem, then I expect the US to come and assist us,” he said.

“Are they not fighting ISIS? Why can’t they come to Nigeria?” said the president.

The president’s claim about request for combat troops was, however, denied by the spokesperson for the United States’ military, John Kirby.

Mr. Kirby, a Rear Admiral, said the U.S. government had not received any request for troops from the Nigerian government…

– Premium Times