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Is Boko Haram Gaining Foothold in Nigeria's Northwest?

Sirwan Kajjo

   Boko Haram's claim of responsibility for a recent kidnapping of more
   than 300 students in Nigeria's northwestern state of Katsina signals
   that the militant group is expanding its terror activities beyond its
   traditional stronghold in the West African country's northeast, experts
   warn.

   On December 11, Boko Haram's leader, Abubakar Shekau, said in an audio
   recording that his group was behind the abduction of the schoolboys in
   the town of Kankara in Katsina. The students, however, were released
   several days after being abducted by gunmen.

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