FG places N290m Bounty on Boko Haram leaders

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.”