Boko Haram Seizes Army Base In Northeast Nigeria

Boko Haram seized an army base in the northeast Nigerian town of Baga on Saturday. Security sources revealed the information on Sunday.

Baga is the headquarters of multinational troops. Nigerian soldiers are stationed there, though the Multi-National Joint Task Force is also comprised of troops from Niger, Chad, and Cameroon.

Boko Haram militants attacked the base in military vehicles. Residents of Baga and Nigerian soldiers who were stationed there fled. Residents said many were killed and the militants set fire to the town.

In April 2013, at least 37 people were killed and thousands of homes were destroyed in Baga when the multi-national force hunted down Boko Haram militants.

The Council on Foreign Relations revealed in November that Boko Haram has killed over 10,000 people this year. The group has also abducted hundreds of people, including 40 boys and men in the town of Malari on Wednesday.

The terrorist organization is Nigeria’s greatest threat as it attacks towns and villages almost daily. Not only has Boko Harm seized the army base, the militants control much of the rural areas.

Notably, Boko Haram seized the town Chibok in November. The town was home to the nearly 300 schoolgirls who were kidnapped by the group in April. The parents of the schoolgirls have publicly denounced having faith in their government and want help from the UN.

As the insurgents gain more ground, President Goodluck Jonathan faces more hurdles before Nigeria’s election on Feb. 14. Muhammadu Buhari, a previous military leader, is running against him and promises stronger security.

Boko Haram, founded in 2002, expands its fight to take over the current government and impose strict Sharia law throughout the country. Now the militants threaten Nigeria’s neighbors around the Lake Chad Basin.

For example, at least 15 people died in northern Cameroon on Saturday when Boko Haram militants attacked a bus. Cameroon is using air strikes to prevent the organization from further expanding.

Nigerian Interior Minister Hassoumi Massaoudou recently said he would negotiate with the terrorist organization, but he did not know which leader he could communicate with.

Because Boko Haram seized the army base and the military failed to fight back, the frustration of the Nigerian people continues to grow as they lose more faith in their government.

[Photo Credit: Michael Fleshman]

Boko Haram Seizes Army Base In Northeast Nigeria