Nigerian state officials abducted by militants

At least five officials working for Nigeria’s Borno state ministry of works were on Wednesday abducted by suspected militants linked to the Islamic State West African Province (Iswap).

Borno state’s commissioner for works, Yerima Saleh, confirmed the incident and said three vehicles, including a Toyota Hilux and two tippers, were also seized by the militants. 

Mr Saleh added that the victims were en route to inspect a road project near Chibok town.

Damboa and Chibok towns are close to Sambisa forest, which is the main hideout for militants in the region.

Borno is among three north-eastern Nigeria states that have endured a protracted jihadist insurgency that has killed hundreds of thousands and displaced millions of people.

This article originally appeared on BBC News

Photo: Research Gate