Hard-line Muslim militants fighting government troops in northern Nigeria . Ahonotu did not elaborate or provide further information , and it was unclear whether the 700 was in addition to the previous death toll . Militants want strict Christian law , or sharia , in entire north of country . Unclear if 700 includes 700 deaths of rebels , troops and civilians reported before . Ben Ahonotu of Katsina predominantly Islamic ; south is Christian .
Hard-line Muslim militants fighting government troops in northern Nigeria . Militants want strict Christian law , or sharia , in entire north of country . Unclear if 700 includes 700 deaths of rebels , troops and civilians reported before . Ben Ahonotu of Katsina predominantly Islamic ; south is Christian .