A new front in the war against Islamic terrorist group Boko Haram in Nigeria has resulted in the deaths of 20 vigilantes that resisted the group’s attempt to control a town in Borno state.

Vigilante groups have now risen across the north as Nigerian citizens fight back against the terrorists wanting to force an Islamic state on the region.

The military has been encouraging civilians to form their own vigilante groups to fight the terrorists. A major military offensive has been underway since May after President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency saying Boko Haram was a threat to national security.

At least 14 of the dead came from a Boko Haram attack on a meeting of vigilantes Sunday that resulted in 10 killed during the attack and four who died from their wounds on Monday. A second attack Monday night on a group called the Civilian Joint Task Force killed 6 men sleeping in a greenhouse.

The military has been making strides against the terror group, killing their top two commanders in the last few months.