Six Killed as Boko Haram Attacks in Nigeria

At least six people were killed and five injured overnight as Nigerian militant faction Boko Haram launched a number of attacks across the Azare Area, in the Bauchi State in the nation’s north.

Several targets were attacked overnight, including two banks and the local police headquarters. The militants reportedly used rocket launchers as well as homemade explosives in destroying the buildings.

The attacks were followed by a four hour gunbattle between the Boko Haram forces and local military. Police say the attackers likely came from neighboring states and were not local to Bauchi.

Boko Haram got its start as an anti-intellectual movement that railed at schools for teaching that the earth was round and eschewed “blasphemous” weapons like firearms and explosives in favor of swords and bows. The Nigerian military massacred a large number of group in 2009, and since then the organization has adopted more modern tactics and equipment, becoming a serious threat in several parts of Nigeria.