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![Boko Haram used to gut villages after raids in the northeast, but in a change of strategy now appear to be seizing territory [AP]](http://thebricspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/nigeria.jpg)
Boko Haram used to gut villages after raids in the northeast, but in a change of strategy now appear to be seizing territory [AP]
The announcement came amid reports that the Cameroon military had repatriated 24 of 80 children kidnapped by Boko Haram militia over the weekend.
While the kidnappings are part of Boko Haram’s modus operandi to terrorize local populations and secure a constant flow of ransom money, the decision to enter non-Nigerian territory appears to serve two purposes.
First, it ensures territorial expansion and the creation of a buffer zone between regions under Boko Haram control and countries which may come to Nigeria’s aid. It also falls in line with the group’s vow to create an Islamic state in Africa, irrespective of borders.
Secondly, Cameroon has for months been sending troops to its northern border with Nigeria and this has restricted Boko Haram’s freedom of movement. Tens of thousands of Nigerians have escaped the fighting and sought refuge in northern Cameroon.
By taking the fight to Cameroon, Boko Haram leaders believe they can seize the initiative.
Last week, Boko Haram militia fighters failed to seize control of a Cameroon Army barracks in the north of the country.
A few days later, Cameroon President Paul Biya appealed to African allies to join the fight against Boko Haram. On January 16, the Chadian parliament authorized the deployment of thousands of heavily equipped soldiers to northern Cameroon.
Abdoulaye Bathily, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative and head of the UN Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) welcomed the Chadian deployment.
Russia has pledged to provide advanced weaponry to the Cameroon military.
Source: Agencies
