Nigeria Seeks Help from Niger in Battle with Militants

Nigeria has asked neighboring Niger for support in a week-old offensive against Islamist insurgent bases in its semi-desert frontier region, underlining moves towards West African cooperation against jihadis seen as a cross-border threat.
 
Concerns grew particularly after Islamist militants associated with al-Qaida seized the north of Mali last year and were dislodged only after French-led military intervention.
 
Nigeria declared a state of emergency in its northeast states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa last week before unleashing forces on well-armed and determined Boko Haram militants. Nigeria claimed some early successes on Monday.

Lagos Motor Parks with Bomb Detectors

Bomb and metal detectors are being installed at public motor parks in Lagos State for screening of vehicles going into the parks. Passengers using any of the public motor parks, especially those for inter-state travels, will also have their luggage screened.

The state Chairman, National Union of Road Transport Union, Mr. Tajudeen Agbede, made the disclosures on Monday at a press conference in Lagos at the presentation of members of a new task force raised by the union.

State of Emergency Declared in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states

Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has declared a state of emergency in three northeastern states following a surge in violence related to Islamist militants.

In a nationally televised address Tuesday, Jonathan said he is deploying more troops to Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states for what he called internal security operations.

The Nigerian leader said the troops have orders to take "all necessary actions" to stop insurgents and terrorists, and have authority to make arrests and take control of any building used for terrorist purposes.