Boko Haram Degraded To Bandits, Robbers, No More Terrorists -Nigerian Army To Nigerians

Jothan 8:36 AM

Boko Haram insurgents are no longer terrorists but bandits and robbers, the Nigerian Army has told Nigerians.

The Chief of Army Staff of the Nigerian Army, Gen. Tukur Buratai, therefore, said he was concerned that Boko Haram was given "increased propaganda and undue publicity" by some people.

A statement on Friday by the army said: "It is common knowledge that the criminals no longer pretend to be championing any cause other than the quest for materialism as manifested in murder and terror on hapless people.

"He pleaded that as peace-loving people, Nigerians should not be glorifying these criminals by calling them by any name other than 'criminals', 'rapists', 'kidnappers', 'armed robbers' and 'murderers'."

The statement further claimed that calling the insurgents 'terrorists' and reporting about their attacks on Nigerian troops and civilians had boosted the image of the "criminal gang", giving them a larger-than-life status.

"They are nothing but bandits and armed robbers. Let’s support our military to ensure a secured Nigeria," the statement added.

According to the army, Buratai said it was wrong for any person to eulogize or support murderers, bandits and armed robbers that the known Boko Haram terrorist group has turned into.