Boko Haram militants staged an attack on the major city of Maiduguri on Wednesday, attempting to take over the Giwa Barracks. The militants were pushed back after an exchange of gunfire with Nigerian military and vigilantes.
Hundreds of Boko Haram militants tried to attack the Giwa Barracks, the largest army base in northeast Nigeria. Soldiers fought back with artillery shells and vigilantes joined in the fight with rifles and handmade muskets. The amount of Boko Haram militants was surprisingly large, due to the recent victories of the Nigerian military. It is evidence of the remaining forces still under Boko Haram.
Despite the quick and effective response, several died from Boko Haram militants during the exchange of gunfire. Though the death toll is uncertain, army officials state that at least four soldiers died along with three vigilantes. The vigilantes were killed by female suicide bombers who were hiding explosives under their clothing. The terrorists suffered heavy casualties when retreating, said soldiers.
According to a local vigilante, many villagers living in the surrounding area were killed in the crossfire. Artillery shells and rockets shook the city, say residents. After the attack, the Nigerian military began a 24 hour curfew in order to avoid civilian casualties. The curfew is designed to protect both civilians and their property, stated Col. Tukur Gusau of the 7th division. Hundreds of residents fled from their homes at the beginning of the attack and are now returning to their homes.
The Nigerian military and local self-defense forces worked together in driving back the militants. With the rapid advancement of troops in the past couple of months, this attack did not worry military officials. In the past, the militants attacked the Giwa Barracks repeatedly. They seized weapons and supplies, and also freed prisoners from the barracks in the past. Currently, Nigerian military officials claim to have the situation under tight control.
