Nigerian gov't downplays resurgence of Boko Haram despite more attacks

The Nigerian government on Wednesday said terror group Boko Haram "remains largely decimated, dispersed and disoriented" despite the recent spate of attacks in the West African country.

Minister of Information and Culture Lai Mohammed told a news conference in Abuja that insurgency has been weakened as a cohesive force even though recent Boko Haram attacks were carried out against soft targets or vulnerable groups, often causing apprehension that terrorism had gotten worse.

"There is no resurgence of Boko Haram. The terrorists remain massively degraded and largely defeated. The recent string of attacks is not an indication that Boko Haram is bouncing back," the government's mouthpiece said.

According to the official, efforts are being made assiduously to end the violent attacks, especially against highly-vulnerable communities, in line with global best practices.

"These include the strengthening of intelligence and security, especially in the affected communities, and the stepping up of the reconstruction, rehabilitation and resettlement efforts," he added.

Last week, more than 60 people were killed in twin suicide bomb attacks at a refugee camp in Dikwa town, some 90 km from the city of Maiduguri in northeast Nigeria's Borno state. The attack was one of the worst attacks by Boko Haram since Nigerian authorities declared the extremist group "technically defeated" early this year.

Boko Haram, which has abducted thousands of people and killed even more since 2009, has spread its tentacles to neighboring countries including Cameroon, Chad and Niger. Endit