Extremists loyal to Islamic State raise flag over Nigerian town and key military base
- Attempts by the Nigerian military to retake the northeastern town of Baga have been repelled by Islamic State West Africa Province, a faction of Boko Haram
- The area houses an important base for the multinational force fighting the Boko Haram insurgents
Islamist extremists have seized a Nigerian town and a key base for a multinational force fighting Boko Haram insurgents, raising their flag and sending many people fleeing, residents and military sources said Friday.
One military source said that reinforcements trying to retake the town from Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), a faction of Boko Haram, have been repelled, with some casualties. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to reporters.
The attack on the northeastern town of Baga comes as President Muhammadu Buhari seeks a second term in February’s election. He took office in 2015 vowing to defeat the Boko Haram extremists, who split when ISWAP pledged allegiance to Islamic State.
One fleeing resident, Musa Hajaye, said the extremists “have hoisted their flag and warned us of the evil fate of saboteurs”. Residents said the attack began on Tuesday night, with the military base seized on Wednesday.
Many residents have fled to Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state and the birthplace of Boko Haram.
The fighting continued on Friday in Baga, the chief of army training and operations, Major General Lamidi Adeosun, told reporters.