President Goodluck Appeals for Help in Stopping Boko Haram

Nigeria's president Goodluck Jonathan calls the Nigerian-based Islamist terror group Boko Haram a threat to all of west, north and central Africa.

In an interview with CNN television Wednesday, Mr. Jonathan called on the rest of the world to work with Nigeria to contain the group. He said Boko Haram members have gone to northern Mali, which is under control of al-Qaida-linked extremists.

The president denies that alleged corruption in Nigeria is helping fuel the violence. He also denies charges that Nigerian soldiers have carried out human rights abuses against civilians under the guise of fighting terrorism.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton mentioned Boko Haram during her testimony before Congressional committees Wednesday. She called it part of the same global jihadist movement as al-Qaida and Ansar al-Sharia.

Boko Haram has killed thousands as it seeks to spread conservative Islamic law across Nigeria. Its frequent bombing targets include police, soldiers and Christian churches. http://www.voanews.com/content/nigerian-president-appeals-for-help-in-stopping-boko-haram/1589847.html