Military

DATE=9/25/2004

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=NIGERIA / UNREST (L-REFILE)

NUMBER=2-319249

BYLINE=CARRIE GIARDINO

DATELINE=ABIDJAN

CONTENT=

EDS: REFILING to DELETE 2nd actuality and cut length of first actuality. Act is of very marginal quality, and may be opted. ///

HEADLINE: Up to 30 Militants Killed by Police in Nigeria

INTRO: Police say up to 30 armed militants have been killed as a result of clashes in Nigeria's mountainous border region with Cameroon. The militants have been targeting police stations and stealing weapons, but the police commissioner from the area says the situation is now under control. Carrie Giardino reports from the VOA West Africa bureau in Abidjan.

TEXT: Security forces in Nigeria conducted a raid on the militants' hideout in Borno State, which resulted in the deaths.

According to the Borno State police commissioner, Ade Ajakaiye, the militants attacked two police stations on Monday, and killed some police officers and civilians while trying to steal weapons.

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"I think the government has addressed it adequately. The bandits have been routed, and I'm sure this should be the end of everything."

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Mr. Ajakaiye says it is unlikely the militants were part of a group of Islamic extremists.

Nigeria is Africa's most populous country, and is roughly divided between Muslims in the north and Christians in the south. The divide has led to a number of clashes throughout the nation and fears of extremist movements emerging.

Some of the militants fled to Cameroon, and Nigeria is working with the authorities there to bring them back to Nigeria to face charges. The police are still searching the treacherous mountain areas. (SIGNED)

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