The Federal government of Nigeria has explained why the United States government, on Thursday, listed Abubakar Shekau, Abubakar Adam Kambar, and Khalid al-Barnawi who are the leaders of Boko Haram as Specially Designated Global Terrorists under section 1(b) of Executive Order 13224.

Reacting to the designation on Friday, the Nigerian Embassy in Washington, said that the designation according to the United States Order is designed to diminish the capacity of these men who are members of Boko Haram to execute violent attacks.

According to a press statement signed by Ambassador Adebowale Adefuye, “While the facts contained in the Order are not in dispute, the Embassy hereby expresses its sadness that the Boko Haram episode has led to such a declaration”.

“The Embassy however wishes to assure that the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is firmly resolved in its determination to bring an end to the destructive activities of this group”

Ambassador Adefuye pressed further that the Nigerian government shall continue its efforts in this direction with the active cooperation and assistance of the United States government.

“The Embassy however wishes to appeal that whatever action that is eventually taken against these individuals, their immediate neighbours who have felt most the impact, but are very much vehemently opposed to the activities of Boko Haram, should not be affected”

The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the United States Department of State, the assurances of its highest consideration” the statement reads.

The Department of State had on Thursday, designated Abubakar Shekau, Abubakar Adam Kambar, and Khalid al-Barnawi who are the leaders of Boko Haram as Specially Designated Global Terrorists under section 1(b) of Executive Order 13224.

In the notice, the Department of State said, Shekau is the most visible leader of the Nigeria-based militant group Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati Wal-Jihad, commonly referred to as Boko Haram.