It will now be added to a list of al-Qaeda-linked organisations subject to an arms embargo² and asset freeze.

 

US envoy³ Samantha Power said it was an "important step" in support of efforts to "defeat Boko Haram and hold its murderous leadership accountable".

 

Analysts⁴ say it is hard to say what practical effect the move will have.

 

Boko Haram was earlier blamed for the deaths of 27 people in a north-eastern village.

 

Residents said gunmen had shot dead farm workers in Chikongudo, set fire to nearly all the homes there and stolen food in an attack on Wednesday night. The assailants stormed the village in cars and motorbikes, a trademark⁵ of Boko Haram, the residents added.

 

It came a day after twin bombings killed 122 in the central city of Jos. The authorities suspect Boko Haram of being behind them, but there has so far been no claim of responsibility from the group.

 

 

Boko Haram was added to the al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee's list of designated entities⁶ on Thursday at the request of Nigeria.

 

"Today, the Security Council took an important step in support of the government of Nigeria's efforts to defeat Boko Haram and hold its murderous leadership accountable for atrocities," Ms Power said.

 

The sanctions designation would help "close off important avenues of funding, travel and weapons" to the group, she added.

 

On Wednesday, Nigeria's permanent representative, U Joy Ogwu, said: "The important thing is to attack the problem, and that is terrorism."

 

The BBC's Barbara Plett Usher⁷ in New York says Boko Haram's links with al-Qaeda have come under scrutiny⁸. 

 

Reports quoting a draft UN document said its members had received training from al-Qaeda affiliates⁹ and fought alongside them in Mali.

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