![This screen grab image taken on January 2, 2018 from a video released on January 2, 2018 by Islamist group Boko Haram shows Boko Haram fighters during a Christmas Day attack on a military checkpoint in Molai village on the outskirts of the northeast Nigerian city of Maiduguri, which the military said was thwarted by troops after one hour of battle. - Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau released his first video message in months amid a surge in violence casting doubt on the Nigerian government's claim that the jihadist group is defeated. (Photo by Handout / BOKO HARAM / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / BOKO HARAM" - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/GBFIVWBW2LESHOX6WYFMTOXI64.jpg?smart=true&auth=6b4f738ed67b8be3c55872fbffe0c4f3c40ae9e03aeeb35b8cd1c36773e40123&width=400&height=225)
Boko Haram fighters during a Christmas Day attack on a military checkpoint in Molai village, northeast Nigeria. AFP
Boko Haram fighters during a Christmas Day attack on a military checkpoint in Molai village, northeast Nigeria. AFP
Hundreds of children missing after school attack in northern Nigeria
ISIS-linked terrorist group Boko Haram has conducted similar attacks, but locals suspect a criminal gang
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The National
13 December, 2020