Army backs US designation of Boko Haram, Ansaru as terrorist groups

THE Nigerian Army has said the designation of Boko Haram and Ansaru as terrorist organizations is right.

The spokesman of the Army, Brigadier General Ibrahim Attahiru yesterday told journalist at a press briefing in Abuja that the two groups have links with al- Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb.

According to him, “it is an important step in helping the Nigerian government efforts in countering violent extremist organizations.”

General Attahiru also said, “You are all aware that these two organizations ‘ Ansaru’ and ‘ Boko Haram’ have links with al- Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb.”

He further said, “They have been held responsible for so many deaths in the north east and central parts of Nigeria,” adding that “Thousands of people have been killed by these same organizations.”

General Attahiru noted that the army “continues to carry out full spectrum counter insurgency operations with emphasis on both kinetic and non kinetic operations… in the north east.”

He revealed that recently the army, collaborating with the air force carried out simultaneous successful offensive to clear insurgents from their base in Sambisa Forest, Bita village in Damboa local government and Gujba in Yobe state.

The army spokesman said although insurgents have resorted to attacking soft targets and erecting snap road blocks on major high ways in the north east, the army has responded by effective land and air combat patrols.