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Nigeria army 'repels' new Boko Haram attack on Maiduguri | Nigeria army 'repels' new Boko Haram attack on Maiduguri |
(about 4 hours later) | |
The Nigerian army says it has repelled an assault by Boko Haram Islamist militants on the strategic north-eastern city of Maiduguri. | The Nigerian army says it has repelled an assault by Boko Haram Islamist militants on the strategic north-eastern city of Maiduguri. |
Defence Ministry spokesman Chris Olukolade is quoted as saying the attack was "contained" and the rebels suffered heavy casualties. | Defence Ministry spokesman Chris Olukolade is quoted as saying the attack was "contained" and the rebels suffered heavy casualties. |
The militants attacked in the early hours of Sunday, and gunfire was reported on the streets of the city. | The militants attacked in the early hours of Sunday, and gunfire was reported on the streets of the city. |
Last week's assault by Boko Haram on the city was also stopped by the army. | Last week's assault by Boko Haram on the city was also stopped by the army. |
Boko Haram began guerrilla operations in 2009 to create an Islamic state. It has taken control of many towns and villages in north-eastern Nigeria in the last year. | Boko Haram began guerrilla operations in 2009 to create an Islamic state. It has taken control of many towns and villages in north-eastern Nigeria in the last year. |
The conflict has displaced at least 1.5 million people, while more than 2,000 were killed last year. | The conflict has displaced at least 1.5 million people, while more than 2,000 were killed last year. |
'Stray bullets' | 'Stray bullets' |
Brig Gen Olukolade was quoted by the AFP news agency as saying that "the terrorists incurred massive casualties" on Sunday. | Brig Gen Olukolade was quoted by the AFP news agency as saying that "the terrorists incurred massive casualties" on Sunday. |
"The situation is calm as the mopping up operation in the affected area is ongoing," he added. | "The situation is calm as the mopping up operation in the affected area is ongoing," he added. |
A number of eyewitnesses confirmed the army claim. | A number of eyewitnesses confirmed the army claim. |
They also said that several civilians had been hit by stray bullets and bombs during the fighting. | They also said that several civilians had been hit by stray bullets and bombs during the fighting. |
The army was supported by vigilantes who recently have taken a central role in fighting the militants. | The army was supported by vigilantes who recently have taken a central role in fighting the militants. |
The military's handling of the six-year insurgency has often been criticised. | The military's handling of the six-year insurgency has often been criticised. |
Boko Haram at a glance | Boko Haram at a glance |
Soldiers without weapons | Soldiers without weapons |
Who are Boko Haram? | Who are Boko Haram? |
Why Nigeria has not defeated Boko Haram | Why Nigeria has not defeated Boko Haram |
Boko Haram's last attempt to take over Maiduguri a week ago was stopped by the military. | Boko Haram's last attempt to take over Maiduguri a week ago was stopped by the military. |
But the militants did succeed in capturing the town of Monguno - 125km (80 miles) outside the city and took over a military base. | But the militants did succeed in capturing the town of Monguno - 125km (80 miles) outside the city and took over a military base. |
With the insurgents gaining more and more territory Maiduguri - home to tens of thousands of people who have fled their homes because of the conflict - has been increasingly vulnerable. | With the insurgents gaining more and more territory Maiduguri - home to tens of thousands of people who have fled their homes because of the conflict - has been increasingly vulnerable. |
Aid agencies have warned that the fall of the city would trigger a humanitarian disaster. | Aid agencies have warned that the fall of the city would trigger a humanitarian disaster. |
Analysts say that the rebels are stepping up their attacks ahead of elections in Nigeria on 14 February. | Analysts say that the rebels are stepping up their attacks ahead of elections in Nigeria on 14 February. |
President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in Borno and two neighbouring states in 2013, vowing to defeat the militants. | President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in Borno and two neighbouring states in 2013, vowing to defeat the militants. |
However, Boko Haram has stepped up attacks since then and there are fears that many people in the north-east will not be able to vote in the election because of the conflict. | However, Boko Haram has stepped up attacks since then and there are fears that many people in the north-east will not be able to vote in the election because of the conflict. |
The African Union (AU) has this week backed plans for a West African task force of 7,500 troops to fight Boko Haram. | The African Union (AU) has this week backed plans for a West African task force of 7,500 troops to fight Boko Haram. |
Four of Nigeria's neighbours - Benin, Cameroon, Chad and Niger - have agreed to contribute troops. | Four of Nigeria's neighbours - Benin, Cameroon, Chad and Niger - have agreed to contribute troops. |
Are you in the area? Email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk with your experiences. | |
Have your say | Have your say |