Nigerian security forces were battling an Islamist sect in at least three states in the predominantly Muslim north on Monday, after a series of arrests triggered attacks on police stations and other state buildings.
Young followers of Mohamed Yusuf, a radical cleric who advocates strict adherence to Islamic law and preaches against western education, engaged in gunfights with police in Yobe, Bauchi and Borno states, with some reports suggesting a fourth attack occurred near the ancient and heavily populated city of Kano.
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