Boko Haram Launches Fresh Attack on Maiduguri

Sunday, 01 February 2015 12:25
Written by Hamza Idris & Ibrahim Sawab
Nigerian Daily Trust

Troops from the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army are currently fighting with Boko Haram insurgents who are attempting to invade Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

Credible sources said hundreds of the insurgents, armed with deadly weapons are trying to enter Maiduguri from two directions.

One of the sources said the attempts began around 3am this morning and is continuing.

"Some of the terrorist came through Damboa -Dalwa road in southern part of the metropolis...they are making fruitless effort to enter through Molai village but we are engaging them," he said.

Another source said a separate set of the attackers advanced close to Maiduguri through Mafa- Dikwa road in northeastern part of the state capital.

“They are not far from Ngon now, a settlement not far from Lake Chad research institute," he said.

Sound of artillery fire has been raging throughout, heightening fears among resident, our correspondents said.

It was gathered that "intense pressure" by troops from Chad and Cameroon along the borders has unsettled the Boko Haram who are now looking for soft targets.

People living in the outskirt of Maiduguri are rushing into the heart of the city in search of safety.

Over two million people, including thousands of displaced persons from nearly 20 local government areas of Borno are taking refuge in Maiduguri.

A long trench dug around Maiduguri is said to be giving Nigerian troops an edge over the insurgents who are finding it difficult to storm the city except through major roads.

Today is exactly one week when the insurgents attempted to invade Maiduguri through Jimtilo, a neighbourhood along Maiduguri-Damaturu road.

Over two hundred of them were reportedly killed when troops and vigilantes confronted them for a fierce fight which also recorded some fatalities on the side of soldiers and youths.