National Security

Islamic extremists grab towns in northeast Nigeria

By IBRAHIM ABDULAZIZMICHELLE FAUL
Published September 7, 2014 7:43pm ET
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Islamic extremists grab towns in northeast Nigeria
Vigilante and local hunters armed with guns patrol the streets of Maiduguri, Nigeria, Thursday, Sept. 4, 2014. The United States is preparing to launch a "major" border security program to help Nigeria and its neighbors combat the increasing number and scope of attacks by Islamic extremists, a senior U.S. official for Africa said Thursday. Nigerian insurgents have begun attacking villages in neighboring Cameroon and have been seizing land in northeast Nigeria where they proclaimed an Islamic caliphate. (AP Photo/Jossy Ola) | Jossy Ola

YOLA, Nigeria (AP) — Nigeria’s Islamic extremist group, Boko Haram, has seized more towns along Nigeria’s northeastern border with Cameroon and is adopting a strategy of encouraging civilians to stay, witnesses said Sunday, as the militants pursue their new aim to carve out an “Islamic caliphate” under their black and white flag.

Nigerian army soldiers fled when hundreds of insurgents in stolen military armored personnel carriers, trucks and motorcycles attacked Michika on Sunday, said Marry Dauda, a fleeing resident.

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Nigeria World