KEY POINTS

• Suspected Boko Haram insurgents attacked a military outpost in Ajilari near Maiduguri around 12:30 a.m., but security forces repelled the assault.

• A second attack reportedly occurred at the Baga military base, indicating a coordinated attempt by insurgents to target military formations.

• Security authorities say strategies are being reviewed and additional military equipment approved to intensify the fight against insurgency.

Suspected Boko Haram insurgents launched a late-night attack on a military outpost located in Ajilari, a community on the outskirts of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State. The assault occurred around 12:30 a.m. on Monday, sparking panic among residents in nearby areas who reported hearing intense gunfire and explosions.

Security sources said Boko Haram infiltrated the area under the cover of darkness and attempted to overrun the military position. However, troops stationed at the location swiftly mobilised to repel the attack.

A combined response involving the Nigerian military, police operatives, members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, and personnel of the Nigerian Air Force forced the insurgents to retreat after a fierce exchange of fire.

While the Ajilari attack was unfolding, reports indicated that another group of Boko Haram insurgents engaged troops at the military base in Baga, a strategic town in northern Borno State. Sources familiar with the development said the coordinated attacks suggest an attempt by Boko Haram to intensify pressure on military formations in the region.

Although details about casualties or damage from the Baga incident were not immediately available, security authorities were said to be closely monitoring the situation and responding accordingly.

Residents recount fear as helicopters patrol the night sky

Residents of Maiduguri, particularly those in areas close to the attack, described moments of fear as the sound of gunfire and explosions echoed through the night. Many people who were outside observing night prayers gathered in small groups to discuss the incident as military helicopters circled the sky during the operation.

One resident of Gomari, Bashir Yusuf, said the sudden outbreak of violence created panic among locals. According to him, the intensity of the gunshots and explosions created fear in the community before the situation gradually calmed.

He said the sound of gunfire dominated the atmosphere for a while but eventually subsided as security forces gained control of the situation, allowing residents to return to their prayers.

The spokesperson for the Borno State Police Command, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, confirmed the attack, stating that security operatives had responded promptly and were working to stabilise the situation.

He said suspected terrorists attacked Ajilari Cross but assured that security forces were on top of the situation. He added that more details would be provided after further assessments.

The latest incident comes amid renewed attacks by insurgents targeting military locations across parts of Borno State. The resurgence of violence has raised fresh concerns about the security situation in the North-East.

Last week, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, summoned the service chiefs to an emergency security meeting to review the growing threat. Following the meeting, he joined other senior security officials in briefing President Bola Tinubu on the situation.

Musa later revealed that the service chiefs had agreed on adjustments to existing military strategies. He also disclosed that the president had approved the acquisition of additional military hardware to strengthen ongoing counter-insurgency operations.