Weeks after he declared a state of emergency in three states to combat Boko Haram, and one year after he originally said he would defeat the group, Goodluck Jonathan has formally pinned the tag of terrorism on it.The order, issued pursuant to Section 2 0f the Terrorism Prevention Act, 2011, as amended, comes one day after the United States announced a $7 million bounty on Boko Haram leader Ibrahim Shekau.

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 statement said.

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.