Towns seized by Boko Haram as soldiers flee

Nigeria’s Islamic extremists of Boko Haram have seized more towns along Nigeria’s northeastern border with Cameroon and are adopting a new strategy of encouraging civilians to stay, witnesses said, as the militants pursue their new aim to carve out an "Islamic caliphate" under their black and white flag.

Nigerian army soldiers fled when hundreds of insurgents in stolen military armoured personnel carriers, trucks and motorcycles attacked Gulak, an administrative headquarters of Adamawa state, said resident Michael Kirshinga, who also ran away.

The nearby towns of Duhu, Shuwa, Kirshinga and others also fell in assaults over Friday night and Saturday, witnesses said.