Chadian mercenaries take over administration across parts of Boko Haram's caliphate.

CHADIAN mercenaries have taken over the administration of several Nigerian villages in Borno State after local authorities fled in the wake of Boko Haram's attacks on their communities.

Over recent months, Boko Haram has stepped up its insurgency across northeastern Nigeria, capturing about 20 local government areas in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States. Although, over the last few weeks, the Nigerian military has gained some ground back, many towns and villages still remain part of the terrorists' self-styled caliphate.

Villagers who escaped from Gajigana, one of the villages recently attacked by the insurgents, have called on the Borno State and the federal governments to save them from the hands of the Chadians have now become judges trying and punishing villagers. One of the villagers said the terrorist were angry with the community for leaking information to security agents that they were embarking on the forcible recruitment of youths into Boko Haram's army. Ali Modu Kawu, who escaped to Maiduguri, added: “The Chadian rebels from Mangal now preside over meetings in most of the villages.

They sit in courts and hear disputes and pass judgement for the locals who are in dispute with one another. “Just before they attacked Gajigana last week, the Manga tribesmen of Chad came around to judge the people. As a matter of fact, some days before the attack on Gajigana, there was a problem between one of our friends and a Fulani man who took his herd of cattle into the farm of our friend. At the moment, it is thought that about 12 local governments in Borno State are still under Boko Haram's control.

These include Abadam, Kukawa, Marte, Ngala, Dikwa, Mobbar, Nganzai, Magumeri, Marte, Kala-Balge, and Monguo, as well as Gwoza and some parts of Damboa, all have no military or police presence. Mr Kawi added: “ After our inability to resolve the ensuing dispute, which had taken a dangerous dimension, we had to report the matter to Boko Haram men, who came to resolve the matter.

They found the Fulani man guilty and ruled that he must pay a fine equivalent of five bags of beans within 24 hours or face death punishment and he quickly complied. “Government institutions such as the courts and the local government buildings have been taken over by Boko Haram members who are mostly Chadians. The Chadian Boko Haram mercenaries are more brutal than the others, as whatever they say is final and you dare not protest.” Last Wednesday, Gajigana village in Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno States was attacked by the Boko Haram insurgents, with over 30 dying in the battle.

One villager who identified himself as Zaana, said that they are living a life of bondage under their Chadian conquerors who place them under strict surveillance to monitor their movements and what they discuss with one another. See more