The US Refutes Nigeria's Claim On failling to Help Fight Boko Haram

On Tuesday in a public speech Nigerian Ambassador to the US, accused Washington of not providing the ''lethal'' weapons needed to deliver ''a killer punch'' to the militants.

State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said the US had "provided and approved sales of military equipment to its armed forces." she said the decisions are made under careful scrutiny to ensure conformity with the law of the United States.

She admitted the US had refused to transfer some Cobra helicopters due to concerns about the Nigerian army's ability to use them.

There were also "ongoing concerns about the Nigerian military's protection of civilians when conducting military operations," Psaki said, adding these had been discussed with the Nigerian authorities.

Adefuye told members of the Council on Foreign Relations on Monday that allegations of human rights abuses by the military were "rumors, hearsays and exaggerated accounts" put about by rivals of President Goodluck Jonathan and rights groups.

But Psaki stressed the US would not raise such concerns "if we didn't feel and others didn't feel that they were warranted."

Washington was ready to help Nigeria train and improve the effectiveness of its military, Psaki added, urging the government to investigate allegations of abuses.

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