MAIDUGURI, Nigeria, June 11 (UPI) -- Groups of youths in northern Nigeria say they have detained 10 people in an effort to help government forces track down members of a terrorist group.
The members of Boko Haram were tied up and turned over to a joint military task force by some of the 500 volunteers in Maiduguri tracking down insurgents who have sneaked back into the city, Daily Trust reported Tuesday.
Members of Boko Haram are believed to be returning to Maiduguri after being pushed into remote areas by clashes with troops of the Joint Task after President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in Borno and neighboring states several weeks ago.
The leader of a vigilante group in one district of Maiduguri said they had caught "more than 10" Boko Haram members who "ran back into the city, to his or their house or community."
Speaking on condition of anonymity, the leader said youths had also mobilized in another district of the city. He hoped similar organizations would soon be formed in other parts of the city.
Brig. Gen. Chris Olukolade, a spokesman for the defense ministry, said he could confirm the detentions but appreciated the help from the civilian population
In a response to the vigilante groups, 10 members of Boko Haram entered the city Friday and attacked a neighborhood whose youths had recently captured a militant in a neighboring district.
No casualties were reported in the attack.
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