The proscription of Boko Haram and other terrorist groups on Tuesday by President Goodluk Jonathan has been described as long overdue.
Assistant Inspector-General of Police, AIG Alex Okoke (rtd) told Nigerian Pilot that though terrorist activities had been outlawed by Nigerian government, but that what the President did was to gazette it formally.
Okeke was of the opinion that the Terrorism (Prevention Proscription Order) Notice 2013, would have been done long ago considering the fact that terrorist activities have seriously undermined the socio-economic development of the country.
On whether the 20-year-jail term for Boko Haram members and sponsors would check-mate terrorism, the retired AIG said it was not about the punishment, but the enforcement.
He pointed out that if the 20-year-jail term would be strictly enforced, it would not only curtail terrorist onslaughts but also other criminal activities.
“I think it is not about the punishment; it is how effective this punishment is being enforced. Over the years, we have not gotten this enforcement right. The laws are there but the enforcement is weak.
“Boko Haram members and their sponsors had since been outlawed, but what the president did was to gazette it officially. Personally, it ought to have been proscribed before now because of the security threat it posed to life and property,” Okeke stressed.