ABUJA, Nigeria — A United States mayor has said the Nigerian government is not doing enough to support efforts against the Boko Haram insurgency, drawing fresh attention to the country’s ongoing security challenges.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Mike Arnold, the mayor of Blanco, Texas, made the comments during a visit to Nigeria this week, where he is conducting a fact-finding mission on terrorism, displacement, and religious violence. Arnold said his goal is to present an independent report to American and international leaders about the situation in Nigeria.

“The Nigerian government is not aiding the fight against Boko Haram,” Arnold said. “Millions of displaced Nigerians are victims of terrorism, not religious persecution.”

Arnold criticized what he called a lack of government commitment to protecting citizens in areas affected by insurgency. He also said corruption and poor coordination among Nigerian security agencies have slowed progress in ending the 15-year conflict.

Accusations Against the Government

Arnold alleged that Nigerian authorities have failed to use the country’s resources effectively to end the crisis. He questioned why the government continues to rely on foreign aid and military support despite the nation’s wealth in oil and minerals.

He also accused former U.S. President Barack Obama’s administration of adopting foreign policies that worsened insecurity in Africa. According to him, U.S. actions during the Arab Spring and in Libya indirectly fueled terrorism that later spread to countries like Nigeria.

“The collapse of Libya opened a floodgate of weapons into West Africa,” Arnold said. “The ripple effects have continued to destabilize Nigeria and its neighbors.”

Background on Boko Haram

Boko Haram, one of Africa’s deadliest militant groups, began its insurgency in 2009. The group seeks to establish strict Islamic rule in northeastern Nigeria. Over the years, its attacks have killed more than 35,000 people and displaced more than 2 million others.

The Nigerian military has repeatedly announced victories against Boko Haram and its splinter faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). However, sporadic attacks continue in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states, where many communities remain under threat.

In April, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum warned that Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters were regrouping and increasing attacks on villages. The federal government later appointed a new military commander to strengthen operations in the northeast.

No Official Response Yet

As of Wednesday, Nigerian officials had not issued an official statement responding to Arnold’s comments. However, several security analysts said the mayor’s remarks might oversimplify Nigeria’s complex security situation.

“Countering terrorism in Nigeria requires more than just military action,” said a defense analyst based in Abuja. “It involves addressing poverty, unemployment, and corruption that feed extremism.”

Other observers said Arnold’s claims could add international pressure on Nigeria to show clearer progress in its counterinsurgency campaign and humanitarian response.

International Context

The U.S. government has supported Nigeria’s fight against Boko Haram through intelligence sharing, drone surveillance, and training for Nigerian troops. Washington has also provided humanitarian aid for displaced persons in the country’s northeast.

Still, human rights organizations have criticized the Nigerian military for alleged abuses in its counterterrorism operations. The government has repeatedly denied such accusations, insisting that its forces operate within the law.

Arnold said he will prepare a detailed report from his visit and present it to U.S. lawmakers and international organizations. He said he hopes the report will encourage more accountability from both Nigeria and its foreign partners.

“The people of Nigeria deserve peace and protection,” he said. “The world needs to pay attention to what is truly happening here.”

Security experts say Arnold’s comments could renew debate over the effectiveness of Nigeria’s military strategy and international cooperation in combating terrorism.

For millions of Nigerians displaced by violence, the remarks highlight a painful truth — that the war against Boko Haram is far from over, and the world’s attention remains vital to ending the suffering.