British Secretary lauds UN sanctions on Boko Haram

British Foreign Secretary, William Hague, on Friday lauded United Nations (UN) sanctions against Boko Haram, describing the insurgents as an inhumane organisation.

The UN Security Council’s Al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee had on Thursday added Boko Haram to its list of groups subjected to financial and arms sanctions.

In a statement made available to NAN by the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos, Hague said that Britain had always wanted and supported the sanctions.

“The United Kingdom has shown its strong support for securing the listing.

“Britain was the first country to proscribe Boko Haram and was pleased to support Nigeria’s demand that the UN takes action.

“I, therefore, welcome the listing of Boko Haram by the UN Security Council’s Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee.”

He said the sanction was a demonstration of the international community’s support for Nigeria’s effort at fighting terrorism

“Boko Haram is an inhumane organisation that has no respect for religion or belief or a person’s right to decide his way of life,” he said.

He noted that it had become an offence for anybody or organisation to provide financial or material support for the Boko Haram sect.

“It is now an offence for any individual or entity to provide financial or material support to Boko Haram, including the provision of arms or recruits.”