But as Boko Haram lost territory it stepped up attacks away from its Nigerian strongholds and into remote areas of Chad, as well as neighbouring Niger and Cameroon.
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Nigeria, Chad, Niger, Cameroon, and Benin have set up a joint military force to eradicate the Takfiri militant group.
According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, over 50,000 internally displaced people have arrived in the region since late July. The state of emergency empowers the governor of the area to prohibit the movement of people and vehicles, and to order searches of homes at any time.
(CNN)The Nigerian army has arrested Boko Haram’s “chief cameraman”, the army said in a statement Saturday.
However, security sources say that logistical constraints have caused delays and there are growing signs that national armies are instead acting alone.
Still, Cameroon, part of the regional offensive, on Wednesday claimed to have dealt a major blow to Boko Haram, killing around 100 fighters and freeing 900 hostages in a three-day operation last week.
Ryan Cummings, chief analyst for Africa at crisis management company red24, said such a strategy would have limited effects.
Boko Haram was said to have been founded in Nigeria in 2002 and to have become radicalized in 2009.
Speaking to the Associate Press (AP), Chadian security officials stated that three women were believed to be responsible for the attack.
USA Today reported the attack took place at a market on Koulfoua.
“During the encounter with the terrorists at Yerimari Gana, a number of Boko Haram terrorists were killed and some suspected terrorists were arrested who are being interrogated”.
Paul Manga, spokesman from the Chad police, stated that all the bombers were female, and they’re suspected to be from the Boko Haram, a Nigerian Islamic terror group.
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The European Union in a statement said Saturday’s attacks were “a threat to the stability of the country and the region”.
