Fawenu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Ilorin that the proscription was long overdue.

The clergyman said the Boko Haram insurgency was giving the country and its citizens a bad image outside the country.

The CAN scribe described the proscription of the militant sect as a welcome development that would bring lasting peace to the northern part of the country.

Fawenu, who urged the Federal Government to also ban other militant groups in the country, appealed to religious leaders to work for peace.

"We should all support the Federal Government's efforts in its quest to wipe out terrorism in the country," he added.

He advised adherents of Christianity and Islam not to hide under religious cover to commit crime, adding that both religions preach peace.