Militants from Boko Haram have captured the strategic town of Bama, the second biggest town in Borno state in Nigeria’s north, local residents told BBC Hausa.
Thousands of civilians and Nigerian soldiers are reported to have fled the town after fierce fighting with Boko Haram.
It is feared that the militants’ next target is the state capital of Maiduguri, 70km northwest of the town, according to BBC Hausa’s Mansur Liman.
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Boko Haram last month declared an Islamic caliphate in the areas it controls.
See related articles below:
Boko Haram kills dozens in siezed Nigerian towns (31 August 2014)
Nigerian soldiers flee into Cameroon after Boko Haram clashes (25 August 2014)
Boko Haram declares Islamic caliphate in captured town (24 August 2014)