Kerry warns against military crackdowns in Nigeria  

SOKOTO, NIGERIA: US Secretary of State John Kerry on Tuesday congratulated Nigeria on its recent military successes against Boko Haram, but warned the country will face a blowback if it "cracks down" on the militants with excessive force.

Speaking at a press conference in the northern city of Sokoto, Kerry praised Nigeria for reclaiming swathes of territory from Boko Haram and releasing thousands of hostages over the past year.

Nigeria has made "important progress", Kerry said. "Nigeria and its neighbours are degrading Boko Haram´s capabilities."

But Kerry cautioned against a heavy-handed response and emphasised respect for human rights.

"In the wake of terrorist activity, some are tempted to crack down on anyone and everyone," Kerry said.

"But extremism can´t be defeated through repression or fear. Fear instilled through repression invites not confidence but contempt," Kerry said, "it creates terrorists."

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have accused Nigerian troops of excessive force and extra-judicial killings of suspected Boko Haram insurgents, hundreds of minority people and pro-Biafra protestors.

The military has denied the charges.

On his third visit to Nigeria in less than two years, Kerry met with traditional and religious leaders, including Sokoto Sultan Muhammadu Sa´ad Abubakar.

Kerry appealed to Nigerians to practise equality and tolerance to "overcome deep-seated ethnic and religious divisions."