Barely a week after President Goodluck Jonathan denied any dialogue with Boko Haram, the Federal Government yesterday declared a N290 million ransom for anyone who could assist to locate the leader of the sect, Imam Abubakar Shekau and 18 other leaders.
The Joint Task Force (JTF) headquatres, which made the declaration in a statement last night, said the 19 leaders are wanted over the spate of bombings and killings in the North-East.
The statement appeared a declaration of battle line with the sect, thereby foreclosing any room for dialogue.
The statement said in part: “They are wanted in connection with terrorist activities, particularly in the North East Zone of Nigeria that led to the killings, bombings and assassination of some civilians, religious leaders, traditional rulers, businessmen, politicians, civil servants and security personnel, amongst others.
“They are also wanted for arson and destruction of properties worth millions of naira.
“Therefore, anyone with information that will lead to the arrest of any of the listed terrorists or more will have the rewards as stated.
The JTF’s list comprised five members of the Shurra Committee (the highest decision-making body of the sect) and 19 Boko Haram commanders.
Those affected are five members of the Shurra Committee of the sect, including Imam Abubakar Shekau (N50 million); Habibu Yusuf (a.k.a Asalafi), N25 million; Khalid Albarnawai (N25 million); Momodu Bama (N25 million); and Mohammed Zangina (N25 million)
The Boko Haram Commanders are Abu Saad (N10 million); Abba Kaka (N10 million); Abdulmalik Bama (N10 million) Umar Fulata (N10 million); Alhaji Mustapha (Massa) Ibrahim (N10 million); Abubakar Suleiman-Habu (a.k.a Khalid), N10 million; Hassan Jazair, N10 million; Ali Jalingo (N10 million); Alhaji Musa Modu (N10 million); Bashir Aketa (N10 million); Abba Goroma (N10 million); Ibrahim Bashir (N10 million); Abubakar Zakariya (N10 million); and Tukur Ahmed Mohammed (N10 million).
A top source, who spoke in confidence, said: “The government is all out to check terrorism in any part of the country. We need these key leaders.”
Apart from local efforts to locate Boko Haram leaders, who are suspected to be in Mali , the UN has raised an Intervention Force from ECOWAS members.
The US had earlier declared some members of the Shurra Committee as terrorists.
Also the UK has made the membership of and support for the organisation a criminal offence.
Earlier, United Kingdom Border Agency said that it will not grant any Nigerian asylum because of the Boko Haram insurgency.
The position of the British Government is contained in the agency’s country report titled “Operational Guidance Note Nigeria.”
The document said in part: “Boko Haram has said it carried out a number of attacks against churches and other establishments since 2009. More than 640 people have died in the country so far in 2012 in attacks blamed on the group.
“It is thought that some members of Boko Haram have connections with Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, a group already designated as a terrorist organisation by the US .
“Boko Haram says it wants Islamic Shari’a Law in place across Nigeria and analysts suggest it is trying to trigger clashes between Christians and Muslims. A country of 150 million people, Nigeria ’s population is equally divided between Christians and Muslims.
“Some applicants may make an asylum and/or human rights claim based on the grounds that they are not free to practice their religion and that they would face ill-treatment amounting to persecution. Some applicants may express fear of Shari’a Courts in Northern Nigeria to enforce Shari’a.
“Some applicants may also fear persecution in the hands of Boko Haram or may fear being caught up in the violence perpetrated by members of Boko Haram.
“The right to religious freedom is enshrined in the constitution and there are no reports of anyone experiencing problems with the Federal Government in practising their chosen religion.
“Claims under this category will therefore be clearly unfounded and as such should be certified. Applicants expressing fear of Hisbah groups are able to safely relocate elsewhere in Nigeria where such groups do not operate or have no influence.
“Claims made on the basis of Hisbah groups are therefore also likely to be clearly unfounded and will similarly fail to be certified.
“Those applicants who fear persecution at the hands of Boko Haram should be able to seek protection from the authorities and should be able to relocate to an area outside of the North of Nigeria where attacks by Boko Haram are less frequent.
“Applicants claiming asylum in this category are likely to be refused but case owners should remember that each case should be looked at on its individual merits.”
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everydayAdvertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
So the govt kw who dia leaders r and dia names...tot D̶̲̥̅̊ε̲̣̣̣̥γ̲̣̣̥ said D̶̲̥̅̊ε̲̣̣̣̥γ̲̣̣̥ are faceless.pls we r not yet serus.
ReplyDeleteNigerian Eye, the N290 million is not a ransom but reward for information.
ReplyDeleteRansoms are paid to kidnappers in order to free their victims.
Kindly edit your stories properly b4 publishing.
So you know these people why are you telling us that they are faceless.
ReplyDeleteAnd you know some of them are in Mali .
What are you waiting for .
Let Bank ,Immigration , Census , police , NCC and others check there database . We will have more clue about these useless People .
I think Obasanjo is correct that GEJ allow the situation to get out of country before acting.
I wish i could be in ...
I ask Govt and SSS, how difficult is it for u to deploy ur intelligence group to fish out people u know their identity?
ReplyDeleteI really wanna see if this throwing out of money is the action needed to curb Boko Haram insurgency in this country. I really hope it works.
ReplyDeleteBut I feel the action needed is the right military action.
Since the federal govt knows them. How then he called them faceless . Govt should go after them. I trust nigerian police for one thing,if I said if they really wants to work. They do better than any other police even in advance country we are here. It is ridiculous to see that Malians are among this bastards,while they have their own country.
ReplyDeleteBounty! Loooool... Dat reminds mi of 'Need for Speed'
ReplyDeleteThe FG is hypocritic. Buhari and others were to mediate and when buhari refuses, the plan is changed as if only Buhari can mediate the peace process. This is a pointer that what they had wanted to achieve was to smear the good personality of the General. When its not forthcoming that they can achieve that, the plan is changed. Clearly, the FG is never genuine in what is says. They are all polical hypocrites. I never heared where Nigeria paid such but for instances where world powers are watching and are waiting to judge.
ReplyDeleteLOL, NFS Niger version bro, enjoy it. Game programmers can take a concept out of this. Very funny. Dis my Niger sef, na wa oooo.
ReplyDeleteTolu
This is a good development coming from the MORON in Aso Rock .... It will bring division and sabotage among the members. There will be a lot of sell out, everybody needs money
ReplyDelete