Soldiers, Boko Haram fighters exchange gunfire in Maiduguri

There is currently a serious gun battle between suspected members of the Boko Haram sect and the military in Maiduguri, Borno state capital.

Zainab Kamali, a resident told TheCable, that the insurgents struck in Jidari Polo area of the metropolitan city around 5pm on Thursday.

“We were forced to abandon our homes for the bush… there’s serious confusion,” she told TheCable via telephone.

Another resident who does not want his identity disclosed said the insurgents have been moving around the city.

He said the sect attempted to infiltrate the town through Polo axis but were repelled by soldiers.

“They are currently at the cashew plantation axis of Maiduguri but soldiers are engaging them in a serious battle,” he said.

The army later advised residents of the town not to panic.

Kingsley Samuel, deputy director, army public relations, 7 Division, asked the people to remain at home and be vigilant.

Samuel said the security situation in Maiduguri was under control.

TheCable gathered that the military succeeded in repelling the attack but many people were scared to return home.