DHAKA: At least 18 people were killed in clashes between suspected Boko Haram fighters and a vigilante group in Borno state in north-eastern Nigeria, reports say.

A majority of those killed were thought to have been vigilante members who had tried to defend the town of Benisheik against the Islamist militants.

The attack comes just days after the army launched huge raids on Boko Haram camps, killing about 50 militants.

Boko Haram wants to create an Islamic state across Nigeria.

The movement has been waging a deadly insurgency since 2009, which has left several thousand dead.

But attacks have increased recently despite a massive military deployment to worst-affected areas.

In response to the surge in violence, President Goodluck Jonathan declared an emergency in May in three north-eastern states, including Borno.

In addition, the military has encouraged the formation of vigilante groups in those states to help tackle Boko Haram.

Source: BBC
BDST: 0826 HRS, SEP 09, 2013
SR/AKA/RK