Nigerian Army Offers Rewards For Radical Islamist Leaders

Boko Haram has been blamed for a number of fatal attacks in Nigeria. (file photo)

Nigeria's military is offering about $1.8 million in rewards for information leading to the arrest of top members of a radical Islamist sect that has killed hundreds of people this year.

In a statement issued on November 23, the military announced a bounty for Boko Haram sect leader Abubakar Shekau and 18 top affiliates.

Their bounties range from $60,000 to $300,000.

According to The Associated Press news agency, Boko Haram has been held responsible for more than 760 deaths this year alone.

It has launched attacks on mosques, churches, schools, and government buildings. It has also carried out several attacks in the capital, Abuja, including a suicide car bombing on the United Nations headquarters last year that killed at least 24 people.

Western governments are increasingly worried about Boko Haram linking up with international jihadists including Al-Qaeda.

Based on reporting by AP and Reuters