Court grants FG’s request to declare bandits as terrorists

The Federal Government through the office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, said a court has granted the FG’s request to label bandits groups as terrorist organisations.

This was disclosed in a statement by Dr Umar Jibrilu Gwandu, Special Assistant on Media and Public Relations, Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, on Friday.

The Minister added that the court permission also approves the Federal Government’s determination to crush banditry.

What the Attorney General said

“Now that the court has granted the application filed by my office declaring bandit groups as terrorist organisations, it shows the determination of my office and indeed, the Federal Government in doing things in accordance with the rule of law.

“The development is a pointer to the commitment of the Federal Government to adhere to international standards in respecting the rules of engagement in the fight against terrorism, separatist organisations, insurgency and banditry in the country,” Malami said.

He added that with the declaration, the Federal Government of Nigeria has taken bold steps to deal ruthlessly with all terrorist groups and their sponsors in efforts to bring a lasting solution to the myriad of insecurity challenges in the country.

”My office, in collaboration with relevant government agencies, including security operatives, are working assiduously to do the needful to take full advantage of this declaration.

“The government will gazette and publish the proscription order,” he said.