Deputy Secretary of Defense Spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Courtney Hillson provided the following:
Deputy Secretary Bob Work hosted Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari for a meeting at the Blair House in Washington, D.C. today.
Work expressed condolences for the Nigerians killed in recent attacks against civilians by Boko Haram. Additionally, he applauded President Buhari's leadership and resolve in addressing the threat posed by Boko Haram to Nigeria and its neighbors. The deputy secretary highlighted that the United States seeks a true partnership with Nigeria and is open to providing expertise and support as Nigeria's new service chiefs conduct and complete initial assessments of their requirements within each service.
Both leaders expressed the importance of regional mobilization to fight Boko Haram, with President Buhari welcoming U.S. support for the Lake Chad Basin's Multinational Joint Task Force. They also noted the critical importance of working together on maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.