Vigilantes killed in Nigeria whilst hunting Boko Haram
At least 24 Civilian-JTF members were killed in the ambush in the country's north-east
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Suspected members of the Nigerian Islamist sect Boko Haram have ambushed and killed 24 vigilantes in the country's north-east.
More than 100 vigilantes - from a group called the Civilian Joint Task Force - were hunting for Boko Haram members near the remote town of Monguono, near Lake Chad and over 50 miles from the nearest city, Maiduguri. They usually use a military escort but, an official told AP, when the military did not arrive on time they headed out.
Masta Moh'd, a member who was not at the attack but who had heard from several survivors, told Reuters: "They were ambushed even before they got to the Boko Haram camps."
The group said the attackers were wearing military uniforms. They told officials they saw three patrol vehicles painted in camouflage and approached them thinking they were the escorts. The sect members then opened fire, killing at least 24 Civilian-JTF members.
Those who returned from the attack on Friday told officials that 36 other vigilantes were missing.
AP quotes an anonymous official saying: "The vigilante youths numbering over 100 were on a mission to capture some Boko Haram terrorists in their camps around Kaleri, Shuwari, Maganari and Nannari villages around Monguno's local government area, before they were ambushed by the terrorists."
A concerted military crackdown on Boko Haram ordered by President Goodluck Jonathan in mid-May had appeared to have weakened the sect, which has troubled Africa's most populous nation, and biggest energy producer, since their appearance four years ago.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments