UN Security Council deplores escalating Boko Haram attacks

The UN Security Council on Monday condemned continued attacks by Boko Haram and expressed concern that the activities of the Islamic extremist group are undermining peace in Africa.

In a statement, the council members deplored the recent attacks by Boko Haram terrorists, including those staged on Feb. 1 in the northern city of Maiduguri, capital of Nigeria's Borno State, as well as the increasing attacks in the Lake Chad Basin region.

"The members of the Security Council urged the region to enhance regional military operations and coordination to more effectively and immediately combat Boko Haram," the statement said.

The council reiterated its determination to combat all forms of terrorism, and underlined the need to bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of acts of terrorism to justice.

At least 12 people were killed on Sunday as government forces repelled multiple attacks by Boko Haram militants in Maiduguri. Some 37 people sustained various degrees of injury.

Last week, a similar attack on Maiduguri by the Boko Haram group forced the Nigerian defense headquarters to impose a curfew on the city.

Maiduguri is the known headquarters of Boko Haram, which has proved to be a major security threat in Nigeria, Africa's most populous country.

The militant group has killed thousands of people in its five-year insurgency in Nigeria. Meanwhile, its surging violence has also unleashed a wave of fear across Nigeria and the wider region. Endi