The United States Department of State has formally designated Boko Haram and its splinter group, Ansaru, as Foreign Terrorist Organisations.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the designation was conveyed in a statement by the spokesperson, Bureau of African Affairs, US Department of State, Mr. Will Stevens, on Wednesday.
It explained that the designation was made 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 statement 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 North-East and central Nigeria over the last several years, including targeted killing of civilians.
“Also operating in Nigeria, Ansaru is a Boko Haram splinter faction that earlier in 2013 kidnapped and executed seven international construction workers.
“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.
“This could be done through a combination of law enforcement, political and development efforts, as well as military engagement.
“This would help root out violent extremism while also addressing the legitimate concerns of the people of northern Nigeria.
“All our assistance to Nigeria stresses the importance of protecting civilians and ensuring that human rights are respected.
“That assistance and these designations demonstrate US support for the Nigerian people’s fight against Boko Haram and Ansaru.”
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