Army slams 24 hours curfew on Maiduguri as Boko Haram attacks

Operative of Civilian-JTF on guard at the Sand Walls and Trench
dug around Maiduguri (Photo by Blogger)

By Blogger

Having repelled an attempt by Boko Haram to attack the Giwa Barracks of the 7 Divion Nigeria Army in Maiduguri, a 24 hours curfew has been imposed on the troubled city.

Boko Haram met a stiff resistance from the Nigeria armed forces at a village called Kayamla,  about 10km away from Maiduguri. 

The deafening sounds of the shooting from both sides forced residents to defy an existing dusk to dawn curfew as they flee to safe part of the city.

Women and children were seen running some barefooted crying and asking for help from motorist who were also driving at neck breaking speed. Some women, aged ones and children were seen collapsing on the way.

Though the situation had calmed and some residents were able to return to their homes last night, there has-been fears that some of the Boko Haram terrorists may have escaped into the town ; hence the military imposes a 24 hours curfew restricting movement within the capital city.

A statement issued by the army spokesman at the 7 Division Nigerian Army,  Col Tukur Gusau,  confirmed the 24 hours curfew. 

"In view of the recent development within Maiduguri metropolis a 24hr curfew is hearby imposed in the city", Col Gusau's statement reads.
"This is done to protect lives and property of innocent and law abiding people of maiduguri.

"The Nigerian Army wish to once again thank you for your continuous support and cooperation. The situation is firmly under control.

Though details of last night's battle could not be ascertained,  the soldiers at various locations in Maiduguri had continued to fire artillery throughout the night.

An operative of the Civilian-JTF,  Ibrahim Musa, told AP that "The Boko Haram terrorists wanted to attack Giwa barracks but they could not make through the deep trench and sand walls that have been dug long ago around Maiduguri city. Many of them were killed outside the trenches while some fled back. We were with the soldiers during the attack and I was shocked to see that Boko Haram could be in such large number".

Following an advise from the military, Borno state government had last year carried out a massive digging of trenches around the entire city to avoid possible invasion of the city by Boko Haram using vehicle.