Boko Haram fighters make final stand gather in mass

 They are at Gwoza, eye-witnesses and officials say

Update: Boko Haram fighters make final stand gather in mass at Gwoza, eye-witnesses and officials say New York[RR]Abuja–MAIDUGURI, Nigeria–Residents and an intelligence officer say Boko Haram fighters are massing at their headquarters in the northeast Nigerian town of Gwoza in preparation for a showdown with multinational forces. Photo: Chadian troops previously stationed by the Sudanese […]

By Republic Reporters New York

2015/03/08 2:14 AM

Update: Boko Haram fighters make final stand gather in mass at Gwoza, eye-witnesses and officials say

New York[RR]Abuja–MAIDUGURI, Nigeria–Residents and an intelligence officer say Boko Haram fighters are massing at their headquarters in the northeast Nigerian town of Gwoza in preparation for a showdown with multinational forces.

Photo: Chadian troops previously stationed by the Sudanese border make a stop on their way to lake Chad near Baga Sola Friday March 6, 2015. Large contingents of Chadian troops were seen heading to the region bordering Nigeria, where residents and an intelligence officer said Boko Haram fighters are massing at their headquarters in the northeast Nigerian town of Gwoza in preparation for a showdown with multinational forces. (AP)

A woman trapped there since Gwoza was seized in July told her daughter that Islamic extremists are urging civilians to leave town to avoid being killed in crossfire in an anticipated major battle.

Hajiya Adama said fighters have released some kidnapped and pregnant young women.

An intelligence officer says Boko Haram is surrounding the town with land mines. He confirmed forces from Chad are in the area, speaking on condition of anonymity because he is not authorized to speak to the press.

Chadian and Nigerian troops in recent weeks have retaken a score of towns held for months by Boko Haram.

Boko Haram in August declared an Islamic caliphate across a swath of northeast Nigeria where it held sway.

In recent weeks, Chadian and Nigerian troops have retaken a score of towns but the militants continue to kill scores in suicide bombings and village attacks.

Retaking Gwoza would be a major coup for Nigeria and for the campaign of President Goodluck Jonathan for re-election at critical March 28 ballots.

Critics say the contest is too close to call between Jonathan, a southern Christian, and retired Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, a former military dictator who has vowed to stamp out the 6-year-old insurgency that has killed an estimated 12,000 people and left 1.6 million homeless.

Credit: FoxNews