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Tag: boko haram

  • Overcoming Boko Haram won’t be easy, says U.S.

    Overcoming Boko Haram won’t be easy, says U.S.

    Assistant Secretary, Bureau of African Affairs, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, addressed the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittees on Africa, Global Health, Human Rights, and International Organisations and Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade on the designation of Boko Haram and Ansaru as Foreign Terrorist Oragnisations.

    Instability in Nigeria is of direct concern to the United States. Nigeria is one of our most important partners in Africa. It is home to an estimated 170 million people, making it the most populous country in Africa and the seventh most populous country in the world. Nigeria is the 22nd fastest-growing economy in the world, the 13th largest supplier of oil to the global market, and the second largest destination for U.S. private investment in Africa. Nigeria is also the second largest African contributor to UN peacekeeping operations around the world and we welcome Nigeria’s participation on the UN Security Council beginning in January.

    The significant mutual interests we share with Nigeria have led us to build a robust bilateral relationship, which we have deepened and broadened through the U.S.-Nigeria Binational Commission. We meet regularly with senior Nigerian officials. President Obama met with President Jonathan on the margins of the UN General Assembly in September. Under Secretary Wendy Sherman led a large interagency U.S. delegation to Abuja in mid-August to discuss civilian security with senior Nigerian civilian and military leaders, including President Jonathan and National Security Advisor Dasuki. Additionally, we have welcomed the travel of Congressional partners like Chairman Smith who visited Nigeria September 21-24 to meet with Nigerians affected by Boko Haram violence. It is through these engagements that we are able to translate our partnership into mutual action to advance opportunities and address threats.

    Boko Haram and associated violent extremist groups, such as the faction known as Ansaru, pose a threat to Nigeria’s stability. These groups attack the Nigerian Government, military, and ordinary citizens of all walks of life, including numerous Christians and an even greater number of Muslims. Their actions have increased tensions between ethnic communities, interrupted development, frightened investors, and alarmed Nigeria’s neighbors. Boko Haram and associated groups can strike Nigeria’s neighbors and target foreigners. Their unspeakable violence has killed too many Nigerians, as we saw during September, when attacks in Benisheikh shot more than 160 people and in Yobe, where more than 50 innocent students lost their lives. In August 2011, a suicide bomber from Boko Haram attacked the United Nations headquarters in Nigeria’s capital Abuja. On February 19 of this year, Boko Haram kidnapped 7 French tourists in Cameroon. Although Boko Haram has directed most of its violence and rhetoric at Nigerian targets, reports of linkages between Boko Haram and Al Qa’ida in the Islamic Maghreb, or AQIM, are worrying.

    The ongoing violence in northern Nigeria has multiple causes. These include Boko Haram’s ideology, which opposes Western culture and education and seeks to overthrow the Nigerian state and replace it with a regime enforcing strict shari’a law. Boko Haram has exploited religious rhetoric in an attempt to justify its violence, casting the state as hopelessly corrupt and un-Islamic. Regional and socioeconomic disparities have also contributed to the group’s ability to recruit. Northern Nigeria has long lagged behind the south in education and economic development. In 2011, Nigeria’s national unemployment rate was 24 percent, but the unemployment rate in 6 of the 12 far northern states exceeded 30 percent. In 2010, Nigeria’s rate of absolute poverty was 62 percent, but in 8 of the 12 far northern states the figure exceeded 70 percent. Of Nigeria’s estimated 10.5 million children who do not attend school, 92 percent are estimated to be in the north. Boko Haram’s activities call our attention not just to violence, but also to poverty and inequality in Nigeria.

    Boko Haram’s violence also comes at a time of uncertainty and tension for Nigeria. Preparations for the country’s 2015 elections have already begun, and political realignments are adding to existing tensions. In the oil-producing Niger Delta region, thieves steal at least 100,000 barrels of oil per day and perhaps much more. This theft reduces government revenues, fuels corruption and international crime, and contributes to environmental degradation. In Nigeria’s ethnically and religiously diverse Middle Belt, communal violence occurs in tragic cycles, overwhelming civilian authorities and stoking regional tensions. Corruption hinders the country’s efforts to enforce the rule of law, generate electricity, attract investment, and expand infrastructure. Despite its tremendous wealth and vast human resources, Nigeria struggles to reduce poverty; despite its oil exports and agricultural riches, the country imports gasoline and rice. Good governance, healthy political competition, and equitable economic growth would go a long way to address all of these challenges. The strategy for countering Boko Haram should be, in other words, holistic. The government needs to not only stop Boko Haram’s attacks, but address longstanding grievances of law-abiding northern Nigerians about government corruption and unfairness that attracts disaffected youth to Boko Haram.

    The United States is committed to helping the Nigerian Government and people counter the threat posed by Boko Haram and associated violent extremist groups. In recent years, we have worked to help isolate Boko Haram’s leaders. In June 2012, the State Department designated Boko Haram’s top commanders as Specially Designated Global Terrorists under section 1(b) of Executive Order 13224. In June 2013, the State Department added Abubakar Shekau, Boko Haram’s official leader, to our Rewards for Justice Program and offered up to $7 million for information leading to his location.

    I am pleased to inform you that the United States has recently taken additional steps to counter the threat posed by Boko Haram and Ansaru. Earlier today, the State Department designated both as Foreign Terrorist Organizations 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. We took this step after careful consideration. We anticipate that this designation will empower U.S. law enforcement and the Treasury Department with additional tools to pursue these violent extremist organizations. We believe this designation is an important and appropriate step, but it is only one tool in what we believe must be a comprehensive approach toward addressing the Boko Haram threat. It is also our sincere hope that the Nigerian Government and people will see this as a gesture of support in their fight against Boko Haram. We are committed to assisting Nigeria in bolstering its law enforcement capabilities and ultimately shifting to an integrated civilian security-focused strategy to counter Boko Haram and Ansaru in a manner that adheres to the rule of law and ensures accountability.

    The United States has also sought to enhance the capacity of Nigeria and its neighbors to detect, disrupt, respond to, investigate, and prosecute terrorist incidents. Through the Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership, we build military, law enforcement, and civilian capacity and resilience across the Sahel and Maghreb regions to counter terrorism. We continue to train and equip Nigerian law enforcement units to strengthen leadership, improve crisis management, enhance investigations and forensics, and counter improvised explosive devices. The State Department also funds a Legal Advisor to help the Nigerian Government strengthen its anti-money laundering and counter terrorist financing regime.

    Military and law enforcement efforts are necessary, but they alone are insufficient to counter the threat posed by Boko Haram and associated violent extremist groups. In the long run, reducing Boko Haram’s ability to recruit is just as important as degrading its capabilities. In addition to the imperatives of improving governance and fostering equitable development, Nigeria must protect civilians, guarantee human rights, and ensure accountability in instances where government officials and security forces violate those rights. Nigeria must demonstrate that government can be the sole, trusted arbiter of justice in the country.

    The United States recognizes that the Nigerian Government and security forces face a difficult challenge in countering the Boko Haram insurgency. Both ordinary citizens and security forces have suffered. Still, we are concerned by reports that some Nigerian security forces enhance investigations and forensics, and counter improvised explosive devices. The State Department also funds a Legal Adviser to help the Nigerian Government strengthen its anti-money laundering and counter terrorist financing regime. Military and law enforcement efforts are necessary, but they alone are insufficient to counter the threat posed by Boko Haram and associated violent extremist groups. In the long run, reducing Boko Haram’s ability to recruit is just as important as degrading its capabilities. In addition to the imperatives of improving governance and fostering equitable development, Nigeria must protect civilians, guarantee human rights, and ensure accountability in instances where government officials and security forces violate those rights. Nigeria must demonstrate that government can be the sole, trusted arbiter of justice in the country. The United States recognizes that the Nigerian Government and security forces face a difficult challenge in countering the Boko Haram insurgency. Both ordinary citizens and security forces have suffered. Still, we are concerned by reports that some Nigerian security forces have committed gross human rights violations in response to Boko Haram. We have raised this concern with the Government of Nigeria at the highest levels. While northern Nigerians, Muslims and Christians alike, largely reject Boko Haram’s vision and violence, Boko Haram has exploited local resentment of these violations and other long-standing grievances against the central government to attract recruits.

    The United States is committed to helping Nigeria shift to a strategy that focuses on protecting citizens. Such a strategy would diminish Boko Haram’s appeal and legitimacy. We support civil society-led efforts in Nigeria that counter Boko Haram’s narrative and its violent extremist message. We also seek to increase outreach with youth leaders in northern Nigeria, and to promote better relations between these leaders and Nigerian Government officials. We maintain an American corner in Kano, Nigeria, although its outreach activities have been limited by the security situation.

    Nigeria’s prosperity and stability matter to all of Africa. The United States is committed to several Presidential initiatives in partnership with Nigeria, including the Young African Leaders Initiative and Power Africa, as well as significant programs for health and economic growth. Nigeria’s success is important to us. We must continue to help our Nigerian partners develop an effective multifaceted strategy toward Boko Haram. Overcoming the challenges posed by Boko Haram will not be easy, but we believe it is possible with leadership and creativity. We appreciate Congress’ interest in this issue and are ready to work with you in the months ahead. I look forward to your questions.

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  • Army kills 29 Boko Haram members in two battles

    NIGERIAN troops have killed 29 suspected members of the Islamic sect,Boko Haram, in two days of fighting in Borno State , where government is trying to stamp out the four-year-old insurgency in that part of the country , the military said yesterday.

    A raid late on Friday targeted a Boko Haram base in the town of Bita in the Gwoza hills along the Cameroonian border, where the Islamists have set up camp after being pushed out of semi-desert areas further north.

    “During the encounter, 20 Boko Haram terrorists were killed, while scores of vehicles and 50 motorcycles were destroyed. A soldier was killed and three other soldiers were wounded in the operation,” said Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Dole, a spokesman for the army.

    The claim could not be independently confirmed.

    In a separate shootout on Thursday in Damboa area of the same state, the military said it had killed nine militants.

    The United States formally designated Boko Haram and the splinter group Ansaru as foreign terrorists on Wednesday, making it a crime to materially aid them.

  • Britain rules on striking Nigerian asylum seeker

    THE British Home Office has issued an ‘end of life plan’ to a detained failed asylum seeker who has been on hunger strike for more than 80 days and is said to be near death.

    The man, who suffers mental health problems, was deemed medically unfit to be detained in October but remains in custody, with a judge due to rule next week on whether he will be released.

    The Nigerian man claims his life is in danger from an Islamist group, Boko Haram named on Thursday as a terrorist organisation by the US.

    The move to keep him in custody is seen as part of a hardline approach by ministers, following the release in June of four asylum detainees who were on hunger strike in protest at their detention.

    A source at the immigration detention centre said staff have been warned to “expect a hunger striker to die”.

    Ifa Muaza, 45, sleeps on a mattress on the floor at Harmondsworth immigration removal centre near Heathrow.

    Staff are afraid he would fall out of a normal bed. He speaks in a whisper and takes long pauses between words.

    He arrived in Britain seven years ago from Maiduguri in the northeast of Nigeria.

    He claims he left his home because members of Boko Haram, a hardline Islamist group, threatened to kill him unless he joined them. He claims two members of his family have been killed by the group.

    He travelled to the UK on a valid visitor’s visa, but overstayed his time limit and went underground in southeast London, where he found work using a false name.

    In May 2011, he applied for leave to remain in the UK but was refused. In July this year he applied for asylum on the grounds his life would be in danger if he returned to Nigeria.

    He was then detained in Harmondsworth. He began his hunger strike almost immediately, on the grounds his dietary and medical needs could not be met in detention.

    He suffers from hepatitis B, kidney problems and stomach ulcers and had been on a special diet.

    He has been diagnosed as psychotic and suffering severe depression.

    Medical staff at Harmondsworth on 26 October informed the Home Office that Muaza was not fit to be detained because of his deteriorating medical state.

    Two days later his lawyers went to the high court arguing that his medical needs could not be managed in detention.

    Mr Justice Collins refused to release him but said: “This is a worrying case, but it is important to appreciate that those who use a hunger strike to manipulate their position will not succeed in doing so provided they have mental capacity.”

    The judge ordered a full hearing to be expedited. The case went before Mr Justice Ouseley on Thursday and judgment was deferred until early next week.

  • Nigeria, Boko Haram and belated US declaration

    Finally, the United States of America has declared the Nigerian Boko Haram Islamic sect a terrorist organisation. The US has its reasons. But it is instructive that for more than two years, Nigeria stoutly refused to let the sect be declared a foreign terrorist organisation. The country claimed that such a declaration would negatively affect innocent Nigerian travelers who would automatically become suspects anywhere they travelled to in Europe and America. This time, however, there has been no objection to the US declaration even though nothing has changed. The sect has remained consistently bloody and undiscriminating in its campaigns. It still treats its victims with as much contempt as it has done since 2009. And it has neither reduced nor expanded its objectives.

    What has changed, in fact, is that the Nigerian government has finally been overcome by self-made frustrations. While it previously and indefensibly believed it could secure some sort of deal with the sect, such hopes appear to have now evaporated. In spite of the appalling bloodletting at the Northeast epicenter of the revolt, and in spite of the killing of many of the sect’s leaders, the violence has seemed to worsen, especially in its total lack of discrimination.

    To be certain, the fault for the late declaration of the sect as a terrorist organisation is not that of the US. It is strictly that of Nigeria. The country’s leaders have shown no imagination or good judgement in its war against the sect. It unwisely allowed the revolt to take root and spread before it belatedly declared war on it. While the sect controlled barely one local government in the early days of the revolt, the government was apparently unimpressed and failed to take the firm measures required to knock the problem into a cocked hat. Unimaginably, the government waited until, in its own words, the sect controlled more than 10 local governments in Borno and Yobe states before it felt it appropriate to declare what this column has described as an unnecessary state of emergency. Now, it seems as if the insurgency has become a war of attrition in which neither side appears eager to achieve victory or concede defeat.

    Neither the US declaration of Boko Haram as a terrorist organisation nor the declaration of state of emergency will bring the insurgency to an end. With the anomie being sponsored and nurtured by the Jonathan presidency as he continues to undermine the constitution and impose authoritarian rule, and his demonstration of absolute mala fides in the practice of democracy, it is unlikely his efforts to restore peace in a part of the polity will be rewarded. Worse, it does appear that in tandem with its helplessness in dealing with the sectarian nightmare in the Northeast, the Nigerian government appears willing to open the country’s airspace and security (including intelligence, telephone security et al), not to say sovereignty, to US influence and drone activities.

    Four more years of Dr Jonathan’s unexciting and undemocratic rule will push Nigeria to the cliff. This has nothing to do with where the president comes from, his party’s zoning policy, or whether it is the North’s turn or that of the Southeast or any other zone for that matter. The problem is absolutely one of competence, which this president or the two before him have not demonstrated in part or in whole. It is frustrating that the issue of who rules Nigeria is every time obfuscated by the ethnic or religious background of those aspiring to be president.

  • Boko Haram ‘holding kidnapped French priest’

    Boko Haram ‘holding kidnapped French priest’

    The Islamist sect, Boko Haram, is holding a French priest who was kidnapped in northern Cameroon, a source within the banned Nigerian Islamist group said yesterday.

    “I can confirm that the French priest is in the hands of mujahideen (fighters) from Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad, who carried out the operation that was co-ordinated with Ansaru,” the source, who demanded anonymity, told AFP.

    The name he gave is that of Boko Haram, which prefers to go by the title in Arabic, which translates as “People Committed to the Propagation of the Prophet’s Teachings and Jihad”.

    Ansaru is an offshoot of the militant group and has previously claimed kidnappings of foreign nationals.

    A church official in northern Cameroon says the gunmen who kidnapped the priest are demanding the release of members of Boko Haram who have been arrested.

    Fellow priest, Gilbert Pali, said yesterday that the kidnappers had sent a representative back to the area to issue their demands.

    Father Georges Vandenbeusch was kidnapped late Wednesday in the far north of Cameroon, about 30 kilometers from the border with Nigeria. The zone has been flagged as a risk for terrorism and kidnapping, but the priest chose to stay on to carry out his work, the French Foreign Ministry said.

  • ThisDay bomber bags life sentence

    ThisDay bomber bags life sentence

    A Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday sentenced to life imprisonment, a convicted member of the Boko Haram sect, Mustapher Umar.

    Umar, a 34- year old indigene of Yobe State, was convicted over his attempt to bomb a building – SOJ Plaza on Sabongari Road, Kaduna on April 26, 2012.

    The building housed three newspaper houses- Thisday, The Sun and Moment newspapers.

    The convict, who claimed to be a petty trader until he got involved with the sect, confessed that his attack on the building was to avenge the wrongful portrayal of Prophet Mohammed by Thisday newspaper in one of its publications.

    Three people died when he rammed a Honda car containing Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) made from camp gas cylinders, into the building.

    In the judgment, Justice Ademola Adeniyi convicted Umar based on the evidence presented by the prosecution and the accused confessional statement tendered in court.

    The prosecution called 10 witnesses in the course of the trial, while Umar testified for himself as the sole defence witness.

    The court rejected Umar’s claim of being innocent and that he was compelled by the police to admit committing the crime.

    “A careful examination of the confessional statement will show his (Umar’s) state of mind and how the attack was planned.

    “Their activities in Kaduna, where they stay and how they are financed are also shown in the statement.

    “The prosecution has proved the case of terrorism against the accused. I therefore find the accused person, a self-confessed Boko Haram member, guilty of the crime.

    “The accused person’s evil act resulted in the killing of three people, leaving others with various degrees of injury.

    “The reasons he gave for attacking the media houses are not tenable. It is the court’s opinion that he should be removed from the public so that he does not kill more people,” the judge held.

    Justice Adeniyi, upon convicting Umar, consequently sentenced him to life imprisonment with hard labour.

     

  • Many sins of Boko Haram, Ansaru, by U.S.

    Many sins of Boko Haram, Ansaru, by U.S.

    Two senior United States officials fielded questions from reporters via teleconference on Wednesday. The officials, who spoke anonymously, gave insights into why Boko Haram and Ansaru were designated terrorist organisations. Below is the transcript  released by the State Department late Wednesday night.

    Why do Ansaru and Boko Haram deserve to be hunted down?

    We view the designation of Boko Haram and Ansaru as Foreign Terrorist Organisations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists by the Secretary of State as part of our efforts to help Nigeria succeed in adopting a comprehensive approach to address its domestic terrorist threat. Nigeria’s comprehensive approach must include enhancing security force professionalism, building confidence in the people of northern Nigeria, by meeting their legitimate economic needs, and ensuring adherence to the rule of law and accountability. All of our assistance to Nigeria stresses the importance of protecting civilians, adhering to the rule of law, and respecting human rights.

    So why has the U.S. taken this step?

    Nigeria is a strategic partner of the United States. It is Africa’s most populous country, with about 170 million people. It provides over 4,880 soldiers and police for peacekeeping missions, and it is a global supplier of oil – crucial global supplier. We consistently engage with Nigerian leaders at all levels to advance our mutual interests. President Obama met with President Jonathan on the margins of this year’s UN General Assembly. Under Secretary of State Wendy Sherman led a delegation to Abuja in mid-August of this year. And we also have regular senior interaction in Washington and in Nigeria with Nigerian officials, including federal, state, and local officials, as well as members of civil society.

    We want to see an even stronger Nigeria that fulfills its ambitions to be a regional and a global leader. To that end, Nigeria must strengthen its democratic institutions, advance economic reform, control corruption, professionalise its security forces, and effectively counter the threat of terrorism, while respecting the human rights of all its citizens. I’d like (inaudible).

    Helping the government…

    The designation to Boko Haram and Ansaru are an important step in supporting the Government of Nigeria’s efforts to counter violent extremism and address the security challenges in northern Nigeria. Boko Haram is a Nigeria-based violent extremist organisation with links to al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb, or AQIM. It’s responsible for thousands of deaths since its conception in 2009, including large-scale attacks against Muslim and Christian religious communities, and women and children.

    Since 2009, Boko Haram has been conducting an ongoing and brutal campaign against Nigerian military government and civilian targets. Within the last year, Boko Haram has been behind numerous attacks on Nigerian schools, and was also responsible for the August 2011 suicide bombing of the UN building in Abuja that killed 21 people and injured dozens more.

    Ansaru splintered from Boko Haram in January of 2012. Since its inception, Ansaru has committed multiple attacks of violence against civilians and Nigerian government officials and is responsible for the deaths of countless civilians and Nigerian security personnel. Ansaru also has links to AQIM.

    The consequences of these designations include an asset freeze against Boko Haram and Ansaru, and a prohibition against knowingly providing material support to either organisation. In addition to denying both groups access to the U.S. financial system, these designations will assist law enforcement efforts to pursue these groups and investigate and prosecute individuals associated with Boko Haram and Ansaru’s terror. These designations notify the world that the United States and Nigeria are jointly combating the extremist violence of Boko Haram and Ansaru.

    What are the specific links to AQIM that you’re aware of. And also, do either of these groups pose a threat to the U.S. homeland or U.S. persons?

    Yes. So while we believe that Boko Haram remains primarily a Nigerian organisation with its principle objectives in Nigeria, and that is true also of Ansaru, as I said in my opening remarks that it does – both these groups have links to AQIM.

    Our assessment is that AQIM has helped provide some training to the groups and has provided limited financing.

    And as far as its – the relationship to Americans – to U.S. security, there is a very large American population in Nigeria, as you probably are aware, and a lot of U.S. investment – economic investment in Nigeria. So, threats to Nigeria automatically impact U.S. economic and American citizen interests.

    Do you have any indication that there are specific threats against U.S. persons or U.S. economic interests in Nigeria?

    We — the United States recently designated at least one of Boko Haram’s leaders on a – in a Rewards for Justice programme, and there are three other members of Boko Haram that have been also designated. And they have made threats to Westerners in Nigeria and Westerners in the region. So, we consider ourselves to be part of that target group, and they are a security threat to American citizens that are in and about Nigeria.

    And of course, you’re aware of the attack on the UN facility in 2011 that killed 21 people and injured scores.

    Why did it take so long to designate these two? They’ve been pretty brutal terrorist groups for quite a long time.

    Sure. Well, as was just stated – I’ll just flag for you – that the State Department designated three of the organisations’ leaders in – more than a year ago in June of 2012 – Abubakar Shekau, Khalid al-Barnawi, and Abubakur Kambar. And then following that, of course, we have conducted an extensive process of review and research to determine the effectiveness of designating the groups Boko Haram and Ansaru as Foreign Terrorist Organisations. This is a process that takes a long time, and only after that review and consultations with the Nigerian Government and other partners, we determined that designating these groups is both appropriate and effective in helping advance our larger strategy.

    The Nigerian Government, I think so far, has taken a pretty heavy-handed kind of approach to these groups. It doesn’t really seem to be working. Is there a more effective way that the U.S. sees that could be used to control the groups?

    We have continued to talk to the Nigerian Government and urge the Nigerian Government to take a comprehensive approach to insecurity in northern Nigeria. And that approach, in our view, has to include addressing the region’s legitimate political, economic, and social needs, as well as implementing a professional security response that respects human rights.

    We have repeatedly engaged senior Nigerian officials to offer our guidance to them on how best to fight Boko Haram through appropriate use of counterinsurgency doctrine. Our AFRICOM commander, General Rodriguez, and the Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Linda Thomas-Greenfield, plan to travel to Nigeria in – later on this year to discuss this and some other issues. And we’ve also had meetings between the Under Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, who led a delegation to Abuja for the U.S.-Nigeria Bi-National Commission working group on regional security, dealing with information leading to the – it was the security working group.

    The point being that in all of our discussions with Nigerian authorities, we have been stressing that you have to have a comprehensive approach, you have to address the way they’re handling the security measures.

    One of the reasons given over the last past months for not designating Boko Haram as a FTO was because of fears of recruitment. Do you believe this is now not the case, that this designation will push more people to join Boko Haram’s ranks? And also, in your conversations with the Nigerian Government, are they on board with this decision, or were they still a bit wary of it?

    So with respect to the recruitment question, I think that this designation sends an important signal to those who would be interested in – who are interested in becoming part of the organisation or supporting the organisation because it imposes a prohibition on knowingly providing material support to the organisation. So in that respect, we think it is an important tool to add to our toolkit in countering violent extremism in northern Nigeria.

    With respect to the Nigerian Government, we did have consultations with them in advance of the designation. As you know, the – or you may know – the Nigerian Government itself declared Boko Haram a terrorist group earlier this year, I believe in the summer, probably around August last year.

    So, the short answer to that second question is yes, the Nigerian Government would be on board, is on board with this – with our designation.

    Do you know of any assets of either of these groups in this country that you are now freezing as a result of this designation?

    I think you’d have to – I’d have to refer that question to the Treasury Department, but by and large we first have to have the FTO sanction in place before we can make that sort of determination.

    I wonder if one of the reasons why you’re going ahead with the designation now is because of concerns that increasingly, they are developing links with AQIM. Would that be a fair assessment?

    I think it would be fair to say that we conducted an extensive process of review to determine the effectiveness of the designation, and it was only after that process was completed that we went forward with the – that we’ve gone forward with the designation now. And as I mentioned earlier, we do know about the – we do assess the assistance to AQIM – we do assess AQIM as provided assistance in the form of training and some limited financing.

    But is that increasing, or is it something that’s at a stable kind of level, the amount of assistance that comes from AQIM?

    Yeah, I don’t have anything more for you on levels on that.

    Can you go into more specifics about what the U.S. is actually trying to do now to counter the threat, beyond this designation? I mean, is there more government-to-government coordination, more military-to-military coordination, multinational efforts? Can you give us a bit more?

    We are really working very closely with the Nigerian Government and with the – and its neighbours in the region to address the threat specifically of Boko Haram and Ansaru, but we’re doing it – and we’re doing it in a comprehensive manner. In the – with Nigeria, we’re working to enhance security force professionalism, as I mentioned before; also to improve Nigeria’s forensics and investigative capacity, and to strengthen their criminal justice system. Our assistance also stresses the importance of protecting civilians in a manner that ensures that human rights are protected and respected.

    In the region also we have the Trans-Saharan Counterterrorism programme, which deals also – we’re working with civil society as well as military and police or national security forces in the countries in the region, particularly in Niger and in Chad, to develop their professionalism, to work on civilian military communication, and also to strengthen cross-border collaboration, Chadian, Nigerien, and Nigerian cooperation.

    So, we – this is one of the tools in our – designation is one of the tools in our tool chest, but it does not exempt or any way – in any way – it complements the other kinds of active activities – other kinds of projects that we have going on in the region that deal with countering terrorism, countering violent extremism, and empowering civil society and governments to work together in order to counter the threat of terrorism.

    When you mentioned cross-border collaboration there, I mean, where do you find these groups sort of taking haven? Is this really a cross-border issue, or are you just talking about the response being not just for the Nigerians to respond but other governments?

    As I think my colleague said a couple minutes ago, Boko Haram we assess to be primarily a Nigeria-focused terrorist group. When we say that there are links, however, obviously to AQIM, there’s got to be communication some way. So the entire region looks at – the entire region, particularly the border states to Nigeria -look at Boko Haram as a potential threat. And there have been instances, of course, of them perhaps transiting the Nigerian border to get to Mali or transiting – going into Chad. We know that Boko Haram or elements that then befriended Boko Haram were involved with the kidnapping of that French family in Cameroon, for example.

    So, the governments in the – of the region, the border states – let’s narrow it to the border states to Nigeria – have been in discussions and are in discussions with each other as to how to strengthen their own border security and what to do about – should there be arrests on one side or the other of the border, what to do about transferring or discussion of who these people are and finding out more about who these are. And we consider that collaboration to be positive, the information sharing among – in that region, because they need better collaboration in general.

  • Boko Haram: Lawmaker faults non-compensation

    Chairman, Senate Committee on Public Accounts Ahmed Lawan (Yobe North) has decried the decision of the Federal Government not to compensate the victims of Boko Haram insurgency.

    Lawan spoke in Damaturu after the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) management committee in the 17 local government areas.

    He said: “It is wrong not to assists law-abiding citizens, who became victims of the ceaseless attacks by the radical Islamists.

    “The victims, if not assisted, can become potential recruits of the insurgents.”

    The senator called on the Federal Government to compensate the states under emergency.

    “Let me state here that the three states under emergency rule need compensation because of the huge financial burden these insurgents have caused them. Yobe and Borno, most especially, deserve serious compensation because they are the worse hit.

    “Though the Senate approved the extension of emergency rule in the three states, I am against the extension because more lives were lost during the emergency rule and more schools were attacked during the period than when the emergency rule was not imposed.”

    The lawmaker faulted the composition of the reconciliation committee, saying it operated as “a parastatal under the Presidency and lacks credibility in the sight of the insurgents.”

    He said “government should have formed a committee of reputable personalities, irrespective of their religious and political affiliations and such personalities should operate independently from government and the insurgency. This is the only way the insurgents can accept the cease fire option.”

  • US classifies Boko Haram terrorists

    US classifies Boko Haram terrorists

    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.”

  • Boko Haram pushes 40,000 refugees in Niger

    Boko Haram pushes 40,000 refugees in Niger

    The military offensive against Boko Haram has pushed nearly 40,000 refugees into Niger Republic, a United Nations agency said.

    This is driving a strain into food supplies in the drought-prone country.

    The United Nations estimated in June that there were 6,000 refugees from Nigeria but the figure has soared as the military stepped up attacks on Boko Haram militants.

    The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in its latest monthly report that of a total 37,332 refugees, nearly 29,000 are officially Niger nationals and the rest are Nigerian.

    “These figures, three times above the level the humanitarian workers were planning for, give an indication of the difficulties of developing a humanitarian response.”