Nigeria army on offensive against militants in northeast
Iran Press TV
Fri May 17, 2013 6:0AM GMT
Nigeria’s army has launched a large-scale military campaign against militants in border areas following a presidential declaration of a state of emergency in the northeast of the country.
The Nigerian army used fighter jets, helicopter gunships and troops in a massive operation in the three northeastern states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe on Thursday, authorities said.
The military campaign is aimed at purge the region of Boko Haram militants who have established bases there.
On May 14, Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in the three states, a week after militants launched attacks on barracks, police stations, and a prison in the town of Bama in Borno State. Over 50 people were killed and the militants facilitated the escape of more than 100 inmates from the prison.
The Nigerian president stated that the country was facing an insurgency that poses “a serious threat to territorial integrity.” “Already, some parts of Borno have been taken over.”
A curfew has also been imposed in Adamawa State, with mobile phone services cut off in the area.
Boko Haram has claimed responsibility for a number of deadly shooting attacks and bombings in Nigeria since 2009.
Over the past four years, violence in the northern parts of Africa’s most populous country has claimed the lives of over 3,500 people.
GMA/HSN
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