Boko Haram Insurgency: Nigeria to Extend Emergency in Restive States

The Nigerian government has resolved to extend the state of emergency in three northeastern states Borno, Yobe and Adamawa, the hotbed of Boko Haram Islamist insurgency.

This will be the third time extension has been called for, since the emergency was first declared in May 2013.

President Goodluck Jonathan would be seeking a formal approval from the national assembly when the emergency period expires on Thursday 20 November.

The decision has been taken following Jonathan's discussion with the National Defence Security Council (NDSC).

"The council reviewed the issue of the state of emergency and the government will be requesting the National Assembly to extend the emergency rule. It will go in immediately," said attorney general Mohammed Adoke.

Despite strong criticism that the declaration of emergency has done little or nothing to quell the Islamist emergency, the national assembly has swiftly approved both the extension requests in November 2013 and later in May 2014.

Boko Haram militants, who are determined to establish an Islamic caliphate, however continued to stage severe attacks against Nigerian forces and civilians alike.