FG accepts US designation of B’Haram

Federal Government has accepted the designation of Boko Haram and Ansaru, as Foreign Terrorist Organisations by the United States.

The US Department of State Office of the Spokesperson on Wednesday took the decision under Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

It also classified them as “Specially Designated Global Terrorists” under section 1(b) of Executive Order 13224.

 By the decision, it has become a crime under the US law to provide material support to the group.

In a statement on Friday night, the spokesperson of the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ogbole Ode recalled that the US decision came after the Federal Government had proscribed the two organizations and declared the State of Emergency in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states.

He said, “the designation is, in the spirit of these initiatives by Nigeria, a welcome development, as it will strengthen cooperation between Nigeria and the United States in the fight against international terror; enhance the capacity and legal basis for concerted actions against both groups; and enable the two countries work more closely towards reducing the capability and capacity of the groups to unleash terror.

“The Federal Government wishes to assure the Nigerian public of its unwavering resolve to root out terror, in all its ramifications, from Nigeria, in a comprehensive manner that protects civilians, meets political and economic needs, and fully respects human rights.

“It also wishes to assure the public that the designation of Boko Haram and Ansaru by the US Government as FTOs would not lead to any negative repercussions for Nigeria and Nigerians. It is imperative to note that terrorism and terrorist activities do not recognise national boundaries. It is from this perspective that Nigeria will welcome more support and assistance from the international community along the lines of the US position on these groups.

Meanwhile, President, Christian Association of Nigeria, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, has said that the days of Islamic fundamentalist sects, Boko Haram, and Ansarul are numbered with the classification of the groups as Foreign Terrorist Organisations by the United States Government,

Oritsejafor, in an interview with Saturday bignews24hours on Thursday, said by the classification, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Central Intelligence Agency now have the legal backing to crack down on members of the group within the country.