Boko Haram Pledge Allegiance to Islamic State in Nigeria

Residents in Nigeria's capital Abuja on Sunday reacted to an audio clip released by Boko Haram pledging allegiance to Islamic State, which rules a self declared caliphate in parts of Iraq and Syria.

The symbolic move highlights increased coordination between Jihadi movements across North Africa and the Middle East and prompted an appeal from Nigeria's government for greater international help in tackling the Boko Haram insurgency.

Boko Haram has killed thousands and kidnapped hundreds during its six year campaign to carve out an Islamist state in northern Nigeria.

In recent months, it has increased cross border raids in Cameroon, Chad and Niger.

The pledge of allegiance was attributed to Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau.

This month, Boko Haram released a video purporting to show it beheading two men, its first online posting using advanced graphics and editing techniques similar to footage from Islamic State