ICC Note:
The Nigerian military has reportedly launched an offensive against Boko Haram militants occupying Michika, a town in northeast Nigeria’s Adamawa State. Following its declaration that all territory in its possession is now part of the Islamic caliphate late last month, Boko Haram has steadily gained ground in an advance toward the Borno State capital of Maiduguri, where tens, if not hundreds of thousands of Nigerians displaced by the violence have sought refuge.
09/13/2014 Nigeria (zNews) – Nigeria`s military launched ground and air offensives against Boko Haram to recapture the northeastern town of Michika that fell to the jihadist militants over the weekend, witnesses said on Wednesday.
Hundreds of troops aided by military jets have been pounding Boko Haram positions in Michika in Adamawa state since Sunday, residents of nearby towns and villages told AFP.
“We have been hearing thunderous explosions from bombs dropped by military jets on Michika,” said a Christian priest in Chibok, 20 kilometres (13 miles) from Michika.
Chibok was the scene of a mass abduction by Boko Haram of more than 200 schoolgirls in April.
“The sounds of explosions are more intense at night when flashes of exploding bombs can be seen from Chibok,” said the priest, who asked not to be named.
It has been difficult to obtain information from the remote northeastern region where Boko Haram has seized control of numerous towns and villages in recent weeks, forcing thousands to flee their homes.
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