Boko Haram launches new assault on key Nigeria city Maiduguri

Source: AFP

Kano (Nigeria) (AFP) - Boko Haram fighters on Sunday launched a fresh attempt to take over the strategically crucial northeastern Nigerian city of Maiduguri, a brazen attack on a state capital just two weeks before national elections.

Four residents told AFP that Sunday’s fighting began at roughly 3:00 am (0200 GMT) with loud explosions and gunfire, as the militants tried to enter the city from the south.

Troops backed by vigilantes have been battling the assailants for several hours, with the fighting at 9:00 am concentrated in the Mulai area just three kilometres (two miles) south of the city, several witnesses said.

“The whole city is in fear,” said resident Adam Krenuwa. “People are afraid of what will happen if Boko Haram defeats the security forces.”

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