12/07/2021 Nigeria (International Christian Concern) – According to Sahara Reporters, militants from the Islamic State-backed faction of Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), have taken over a police station in Yobe State, Nigeria.
While the Nigerian Army had claimed victory over the insurgents attack last week, a military source told Sahara Reporters that instead of the reported success, “the terror group stormed the community, (and) took over the police station and barracks… for several hours.”
The source added that some policemen sustained injuries while others fled into the bush.
Terrorist groups such as ISWAP have killed tens of thousands of Christians in Nigeria and displaced millions in an attempt to discard western influence and impose strict Islamic Sharia law.
“ISWAP, which split from the mainstream Boko Haram in 2016, has become a dominant group, focusing on military targets and high-profile attacks, including against aid workers,” wrote Sahara Reporters. “The Nigerian army has repeatedly claimed that the insurgency has been largely defeated and frequently underplays any losses.”
ISWAP often tries to radicalize those whom they have taken captive. If they are unable to, they may use them as slaves, suicide bombers, or ransom them back to family and friends. Often, those who are taken do not ever return to their homes or families.
Please pray for the safety of Nigerian citizens living amongst extreme violence. Please also pray that the Nigerian government would be wise in dealing with terrorists and that they will end this insurgency as soon as possible.
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