It was yet another bad news for Boko Haram this evening as the sect was proscribed by Nigeria’s President Goodluck Jonathan. This came barely 24 hours after the United States of America announced a $7 million (about N1.085 billion) bounty for anyone who provides information leading to the capture of the group’s leader, Abubakar Shekau. Meanwhile, the Special Forces enforcing the emergency rule in Nigeria’s North-East previously controlled by Boko Haram have run the group out of town.

As if to ice the cake of victory over Boko, President Jonathan, speaking through his Special Adviser (Media & Publicity), Dr. Reuben Abati, formally announced the proscription of the terrorist sect and authorised the gazetting of an order declaring its activities illegal and acts of terrorism.

Said Abati in a statement issued in Abuja: “The order which has been gazetted as the Terrorism (Prevention) (Proscription Order) Notice 2013 affects both Boko Haram (Jamaatu Ahlis-Sunna Liddaawati Wal Jihad) and another group – Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladis Sudan, was approved by President Jonathan pursuant to section 2 0f the Terrorism Prevention Act, 2011 (As Amended).

“It officially brings the activities of both groups within the purview of the Terrorism Prevention Act and any persons associated with the two groups can now be legally prosecuted and sentenced to penalties specified in the Act.

“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 -

(a) incitement to commit a terrorist act through the internet, or any electronic means or through the use of printed materials or through thedissemination of terrorist information;

(b) 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;

(c) receipt or provision of information or moral assistance, including invitation to adhere to a terrorist or terrorist group;

(d) entering or remaining in a country for the benefit of, or at the direction of or in association with a terrorist group; or

(e) 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.”

•Photo shows Boko Haram leader Shekau flanked by aides.