U.S. yet to tag Boko Haram as terrorist organisation

Washington – The U.S. Government says it has not taken a decision on whether to designate the activities of the Islamic sect, Boko Haram,  as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO).

Fielding questions from newsmen during the closing session of the Nigeria – U.S. Bi-National Commission (BNC) meeting in Washington  Amb. Johnnie Carson, Assistant Secretary Bureau of African Affairs, said that deliberations on the issue  would continue.

He said that those involved in deliberations include, security and justice agencies both in the U.S. and Nigeria.

Also in his response, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Amb. Martin Uhomoibhi said that the activities of the Islamic sect should not be tied to Nigeria alone but to other nations.

According to him, terrorist activities are global phenomenon that require international collaborations among nations to tackle.

Also the Nigeria Ambassador to the U.S. Prof. Ade Adefuye, said the country was opposed to the declaration of the sect as  FTO.

According to him doing that will enhance the image and prestige of the group among other terrorist organisations which may be encouraged to strengthen sect for more impact.

“It will give the impression that Nigeria is not able to contain the sect when it has successfully contained Niger-Delta militants who were more focussed, better organised and deadlier.

“An FTO in any country is subject to America’s search and destroy operation which includes the sending of drones and other unmanned weapon of mass destruction as it currently happens in Pakistan, Somalia, and Yemen.

“Such activities bring untold suffering to citizens of such countries.  We do not want that in Nigeria,’’ he said.

Adefuye said the U.S. did not have direct evidence of danger posed on it by the activities of the sect.

The envoy  stressed that a declaration of a Nigerian-based FTO militants was “strongly against our drive for American foreign investment ’’.

He explained that Nigerian citizens arriving at American ports would be treated as inhabitants of an FTO based country and that each traveller would have to prove that he does not belong to Boko Haram.

“This will involve intensive search and interrogation of Nigerians as it happened in the aftermath of Mutallab’s episode.

“The Mission will not like a repeat of such experience,’’ the Ambassador said.

He said that the present administration in the country and the embassy in Washington had been enjoying tremendous cooperation and confidence of the American government.

The U.S. Congress had initiative a move to declare Boko Haram as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation a move opposed by the executive arm. (NAN)