Jonathan clamps down on terrorist groups, proscribes Boko Haram, Ansaru

President Goodluck Jonathan has approved the proscription of Boko Haram and authorized the gazetting of an order declaring the group’s activities illegal and acts of terrorism.

In a statement by Dr Reuben Abati, Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity, said the order which has been gazetted as the Terrorism (Prevention) (Proscription Order) Notice 2013, was approved by President Jonathan.

According to the statement, the order affects both Jamaatu Ahlis-Sunna Liddaawati Wal Jihad, popularly called Boko Haram and Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladis Sudan, also referred to as Ansaru , with a 20 years term of imprisonment prescribed for persons who solicits or renders support for the groups.

“The proscription order warns the general public that any person “participating in any form of activities involving or concerning the collective intentions of the said groups will be violating the provisions of the Terrorism Prevention Act”.

” Section 5 (1) of the act prescribes a term of imprisonment of not less than 20 years for any person who knowingly, in any manner, directly or indirectly, solicits or renders support for the commission of an act of terrorism or to a terrorist group.”

” For the purposes of subsection (1) of section, “support” includes: incitement to commit a terrorist act through the internet, or any electronic means or through the use of printed materials or through the dissemination of terrorist information; receipt or provision of material assistance, weapons including biological, chemical or nuclear weapons, explosives, training, transportation, false documentation or identification to terrorists or terrorist groups; receipt or provision of information or moral assistance, including invitation to adhere to a terrorist or terrorist group; entering or remaining in a country for the benefit of, or at the direction of or in association with a terrorist group; or the provision of, or making available, such financial or other related services prohibited under this Act or as may be prescribed by regulations made pursuant to this Act.”