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Nigeria Boko Haram: 'Hundreds' attack Maiduguri Nigeria Boko Haram: 'Hundreds' attack Maiduguri
(about 2 hours later)
Hundreds of militants have staged a multi-pronged attack on the northern Nigerian city of Maiduguri, witnesses say.Hundreds of militants have staged a multi-pronged attack on the northern Nigerian city of Maiduguri, witnesses say.
On entering the city, the attackers split into smaller groups - heading for the barracks, the university and an area where civil servants live.On entering the city, the attackers split into smaller groups - heading for the barracks, the university and an area where civil servants live.
"They set many houses on fire and killed innocent people," one resident told a local newspaper. The militants failed in an attempt to free colleagues held in the barracks, an army spokesman said.
Militants suspected to be from Boko Haram have killed 500 people this year.Militants suspected to be from Boko Haram have killed 500 people this year.
Local residents say there was a heavy exchange of fire near Giwa barracks, as the military tried to fight off the insurgents.Local residents say there was a heavy exchange of fire near Giwa barracks, as the military tried to fight off the insurgents.
Air force jets were seen flying over the city following the dawn attack.Air force jets were seen flying over the city following the dawn attack.
"There is thick smoke billowing. The assailants are hurling explosives into Giwa barracks and the multitude of soldiers inside the barracks are firing back," local resident Hamisu Musa told the Daily Trust newspaper. "They set many houses on fire and killed innocent people," local resident Jamila Yusuf told Nigeria's Daily Trust newspaper.
Suspected Boko Haram fighters detained by the military are often held at Giwa barracks - human rights groups say hundreds have died there and torture there has been rife. Defence ministry spokesman Chris Olukolade said the attackers had suffered "heavy casualties" in their attempt to free detainees. He said four soldiers had been wounded.
The army has denied mistreating suspects. Human rights groups say hundreds of suspects held in Giwa barracks have died and torture there has been rife.
The army has always denied mistreating suspects.
The attack came as UN human rights chief Navi Pillay was in the country. She told journalists that "many Nigerians openly acknowledge human rights violations have been committed by the security forces".
"These have served to alienate communities, and create fertile ground for Boko Haram to cultivate new recruits," she said.
There was also at least one explosion at Maiduguri university and houses were hit, residents say. It is not clear whether the blasts were set off by Boko Haram or whether they were the result of strikes by the air force.There was also at least one explosion at Maiduguri university and houses were hit, residents say. It is not clear whether the blasts were set off by Boko Haram or whether they were the result of strikes by the air force.
BBC Nigeria correspondent Will Ross says Boko Haram militants usually attack at night so this was a particularly brazen assault.BBC Nigeria correspondent Will Ross says Boko Haram militants usually attack at night so this was a particularly brazen assault.
Attacks have intensified in recent weeks despite a state of emergency being declared in north-eastern Nigeria last year.Attacks have intensified in recent weeks despite a state of emergency being declared in north-eastern Nigeria last year.
Boko Haram was founded in Maiduguri in 2009. It wants northern Nigeria to become an Islamic state.Boko Haram was founded in Maiduguri in 2009. It wants northern Nigeria to become an Islamic state.