Boko Haram, who has pledged its allegiance to ISIS, has gone from bombing churches to taking over entire cities:
CHRISTIAN POST – Nigerian terror group Boko Haram has reportedly captured the strategically important city of Monguno following a heavy battle with the army, which has left over 200 people dead.
CNN reported that the military is still fighting Boko Haram for control over Maiduguri, attempting to prevent the jihadists from gaining even more ground.
“Our soldiers initially repelled the terrorists but they mobilized more fighters and came back in full force. They overwhelmed our troops and forced them to retreat,” said one Nigerian officer, who asked not to be named.
While Monguno has close to 100,000 residents, Maiduguri hosts more than 600,000. Boko Haram has been attempting to gain control over several cities near the borders with Chad and Cameroon, with the extremists setting their sights on attacking other neighboring countries as well.
The Associated Press noted that at least 200 people have been reported dead so far in the battle for Maiduguri. Simultaneous battles were also going on Sunday 125 miles south in the Adamawa state, as Boko Haram insurgents targeted a number of smaller villages.
“The attacks have continued since Friday with no presence of security operatives,” said Adamawa state legislator Adamu Kamale, calling on Nigerian troops to do all they can to protect civilians.
Boko Haram has been waging a war on the Nigerian government for over five years now, seeking to drive out all Christians and establish Islamic rule.