Nigeria’s Boko Haram renames seized town in Adamawa state

Nigeria's militant group Boko Haram has renamed Mubi, a recently captured town, Madinatul Islam – City of Islam.

It seized Mubi – the second largest town in Adamawa state – in October, after clashes with government forces.

Boko Haram has dismissed government claims to have agreed a ceasefire with the Islamist group, meant to ensure the release of 219 kidnapped schoolgirls.

In August, Boko Haram said it had established an Islamic state in areas it controls in north-eastern Nigeria.

Mubi is the largest town under Boko Haram control. It has stepped up its insurgency since a state of emergency was declared in May 2013 in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states.

The group has changed tactics in recent months by holding on to territory rather than launching hit-and-run attacks.

It also controls Michika, a trading centre in Adamawa state not far from the Cameroon border, prompting fears that it may be looking for further extend its reach.

Thousands of people who have fled towns and villages captured by Boko Haram have taken refuge in neighbouring towns.

In April, the militants captured more than 200 girls from a boarding school in the town of Chibok, in Borno state.

Countries such as China, France, the UK and US have sent military assistance to help find the girls but they have not yet been rescued.

source: