Boko Haram Attack: Army Slams 24-hour Curfew On Maiduguri

Following a repelled attempt by Boko Haram terrorists to again overrun  the Giwa Barracks of the 7 Division Nigeria Army in Maiduguri,  the military authority has imposed a 24-hour curfew on the troubled state capital.
Boko Haram had on Wednesday night attempted to invade the town and attack the barracks, but met a stiff resistance from the soldiers who engaged hundreds of the insurgents at an outskirt village called Kayamla.
Hundreds of people living around the barracks were forced to flee at night in fear of a repeat of what happened on the March 12, 2014, when Giwa barracks came under a brazen day light attack.
Many innocent civilians were killed during last year’s attack when the army fired artillery into the area, followed by air bombardments.
Though Wednesday’s attack was successfully repelled, and the situation had calmed allowing some residents to return to their homes last night, there has been fears that some of the Boko Haram terrorists may have escaped into the town.
The military imposed a 24-hour curfew restricting movement within the capital city.
A statement issued by the Army spokesman of the 7 Division, Tukur Gusau, a colonel, confirmed the curfew.
“In view of the recent development within Maiduguri metropolis a 24hr curfew is hearby imposed in the city”, Col Gusau’s statement reads.
“This is done to protect lives and property of innocent and law-abiding people of Maiduguri.
“The Nigerian Army wish to once again thank you for your continuous support and cooperation. The situation is firmly under control.”
Though all the details of last night’s battle are not clear yet, soldiers at various locations in Maiduguri continued to fire artillery throughout the night.