The United States (U.S.) government says it will supply drones to Nigeria as part of her commitment to help overcome security challenges in the country including the Boko Haram/Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other crimes.
The U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard, told journalists in Sokoto, Northwest Nigeria that the drones would help Nigeria to end the activities of bandits, kidnappers and terrorists in the country.
According to the Ambassador, “insecurity has shortchanged the development of the country in many areas of human endeavour. America is concern about the security situation of the country.”
He explained that the US has been supportive of Nigeria on information gathering and hardware to combat insecurity through modern technologies and other relevant areas of concern.
The Ambassador, who is on inspection tour of U.S. government funded programmes in the States, said that “USAID had from 2015 to date invested about one hundred and twenty-two million dollars on different activities that comprised improving primary healthcare, immunisations, public access to quality healthcare, education, agriculture, and empowerment programmes.
“USAID future interactions aimed at strengthening the commitments include improving agriculturalists’ capacity for farmers to engaged on right agricultural practices for growth and enhanced food production.”
She added that Safe Schools Initiative and other educational support were accorded with priority, stressing that the US government accorded respect and concern on the plights of Nigerians.
She noted that the US government is assisting Nigeria in various human endeavours, stressing that her country is the largest single bilateral contributor to Nigeria.
The Ambassador commended the Sokoto State government for its commitment to developing the agricultural sector especially the cotton value chain.
