Troops, Boko Haram insurgents exchange bullets in Borno

Boko Haram insurgents on Monday attempted to overrun Maiduguri, the Borno state capital in northeast Nigeria.

The terrorists, who earlier promised not to strike in this month of Ramadan, were repelled by Nigerian troops, after a gunfire at Jiddari Polo area of Maiduguri, their usual entry point from the Sambisa forest.

It was gathered that gunshots lasted for almost an hour before reinforcement arrived and the militants were repelled.

Residents, who fled their homes are gradually returning under security checks to ensure no terrorist sneaks with the returning residents.

Many who were preparing to go for shopping and others for prayers, were said to have been trapped either at home or in the mosque when the terrorists started shooting Tuesday afternoon.

It was observed that normalcy has now returned to the area.