US classifies Boko Haram terrorists

•President Goodluck Jonathan discussing with US President Barack Obama during their bilateral meeting in New York…yesterday

Despite diplomatic pressure, the United States yesterday designated Boko Haram and Ansaru as Foreign Terrorist Organisations (FTO).

The designation will enable the US Government to freeze accounts and seize the assets of any person or group supporting the two terrorist bodies.

The US said it would also investigate and prosecute terrorism suspects associated with Boko Haram and Ansaru.

The tough measure was contained in a statement by the office of the spokesperson of the US Department of State, which was released to reporters in Abuja.

It said the step was necessary to assist the Federal Government to fight these groups.

The statement said: “The Department of State has announced the designation of Boko Haram and Ansaru as Foreign Terrorist Organisations (FTO) under Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended, and as Specially Designated Global Terrorists under Section 1(b) of Executive Order 13224.

“The consequences of the these FTO and E.O. 13224 designations include a prohibition against knowingly providing, or attempting or conspiring to provide, material support or resources to, or engaging in transactions with, Boko Haram and Ansaru, and the freezing of all property and interests in property of the organisations that are in the United States, or come within the United States or the control of U.S. persons.

“These designations will assist U.S. and other law enforcement partners in efforts to investigate and prosecute terrorist suspects associated with Boko Haram and Ansaru.

The US government explained why it took the decision to deal with Boko Haram and Ansaru.

The statement said: “The Department of State took these actions in consultation with the Departments of Justice and Treasury.

“These designations are an important and appropriate step, but only one tool in what must be a comprehensive approach by the Nigerian government to counter these groups through a combination of law enforcement, political, and development efforts, as well as military engagement, to help root out violent extremism while also addressing the legitimate concerns of the people of northern Nigeria.

“All of our assistance to Nigeria stresses the importance of protecting civilians and ensuring that human rights are respected. That assistance and these designations demonstrate U.S. support for the Nigerian people’s fight against Boko Haram and Ansaru.”

The US revisited Boko Haram slaughtering of 160 innocent civilians and vowed to protect innocent Nigerians.

It said: “Boko Haram is a Nigeria-based militant group with links to al-Qa’ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) that is responsible for thousands of deaths in northeast and central Nigeria over the last several years, including targeted killings of civilians.

“Also operating in Nigeria, Ansaru is a Boko Haram splinter faction that earlier in 2013 kidnapped and executed seven international construction workers.

“Boko Haram has been conducting an ongoing and brutal campaign against Nigerian military, government, and civilian targets.

“Among its most lethal attacks, Boko Haram carried out indiscriminate attacks in Benisheikh, Nigeria in September 2013 that killed more than 160 innocent civilians, including women and children.

“Boko Haram has also conducted attacks against international targets, including a suicide bombing of the United Nations building in Abuja on August 26, 2011, that killed 21 people and injured dozens more; many of them aid workers supporting development projects across Nigeria.

“Ansaru’s attacks have focused on Nigerian military and Western targets. In November 2012, Ansaru raided a police station in Abuja, killing Nigerian police officers and freeing detained terrorists from prison.

“Also in January 2013, Ansaru attacked Nigerian security services when its members ambushed a convoy of Nigerian peacekeepers. Ansaru has also conducted several kidnappings of foreigners living or working in Nigeria.”

Federal Government backs action

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN) yesterday said the designation of Boko Haram and Ansaru as Foreign Terrorist Organisations (FTOs) by the United States is a welcome development.
He asked other super powers to emulate the US to check terrorism all over the world.
Adoke, who spoke last night, said: “The US stance is a welcome development; we salute the US Government for partnering with the Federal Government to rout out terrorism.
“This step will assist this nation to deal with these renegades. It will also help in strengthening the proscription of Boko Haram by the Federal Government.
“We urge other super powers to emulate the US Government to check terrorism in any part of the world. A threat to any nation by the insurgents is a threat to global peace.”