Nigerian army beat Boko Haram militants to retreat

Nigeria's army claimed to have repulsed the militant Boko Haram.The militant group previously controlled several areas in northeastern Nigeria. 

As reported by the BBC, Monday (05/20/2013), Nigerian troops killed 14 militants and arrested 20 others. In his own army death toll reaches three.

Nigerian soldiers (AFP)

Nigerian government began military operations after receiving reports of increased activity of Boko Haram. Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan announced a state of emergency in the country. The action was done to stop the threat of Boko Haram militants in some areas of Nigeria.

President Goodluck Jonathan (BBC)

Boko Haram is a militant group that operates in Nigeria and surrounding countries. They want to turn Nigeria into an Islamic state.

Boko Haram attempted to seize power in the state of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe in northern Nigeria. Boko Haram Militants in Nigeria now are gathering strength. They want to emulate the action of Al Qaeda who had controlled parts of Mali.

Boko Haram now control some parts of Borno State. Borno Governor Shetima Kassim said Boko Haram would soon control the entire Borno.

Shetima unveil it in front of the central Nigerian officials. Shetima go to the capital to ask for assistance to the central government.

Local media reported, a lot of Nigerians who now fled to Cameroon. They avoid conflict between the military and Boko Haram militants.

Nigerian government had actually held a military operation against the Boko Haram last year. However, the operation failed to weaken the power of Boko Haram.

Boko Haram militants (AFP)

In contrast, the Nigerian military precisely drawn international criticism.They were accused of human rights abuses against its own citizens in the operation.

Boko Haram has been operating in Nigeria since 2002. Their ambition to transform Nigeria into an Islamic state.