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AFTERMATH: Nigerian forces inspect the scene following a Boko Haram attack in Damaturu during October 2013 (PA)

BOKO HARAM is set to be designated as a foreign terrorist organisation by the US state department following the group armed campaign against the Nigerian government that saw a state of emergency called in northeastern regions earlier this year.

The new definition prescribed by American authorities, according to reports, will mean US agencies, businesses and companies must not conduct financial transactions with Boko Haram.

Official confirmation of the new classification has not yet been announced, but Associated Press and Reuters report US officials and congressional sources have spoken about the impending decision.

The Islamist group and its fighters are already called “terrorists” by the Nigerian government, while President Goodluck Jonathan has previously said they are a threat to national security and the integrity of the state.

Boko Haram, a name which translates as Western education is forbidden, started its insurgency in 2009, and has attacked both military and civilian targets, including schools and churches.

The US claims the organisation has links to al-Qaeda and extremist groups waging conflict in Mali.

In May, Nigerian authorities issued a state of emergency in three states in the county’s northwest and launched an army offensive to combat militants.

The government blames Boko Haram for causing the deaths of thousands of people.