Pre-emptive Threat Mitigation: Neutralizing the Boko Haram Threat to U.S. Interests

West Africa presents unique and complex challenges to the security of the United States (US) and critical US interests abroad. Nigeria, the largest and most diplomatically, militarily and economically progressive nation in West Africa, faces severe threats of instability promulgated by the burgeoning terrorist group, Boko Haram. East Africa is the traditional focus of U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM); however, there is a compelling need to address West African issues before the region become...