Boko Haram launch fresh assault on Maiduguri

Boko Haram militants have launched a fresh assault on the strategically important northern Nigerian city of Maiduguri. Gunfire was reported on the city’s streets after an attack that began in the early hours of Sunday.

Nigerian security forces have not yet commented on the latest outbreak of fighting. However, residents told the AFP news agency that the attack began at 03:00am local time and that heavy fighting is ongoing at the south of the city between Boko Haram and troops supported by vigilantes who have recently taken a central role in fighting the militants.

"The whole city is in fear," resident Adam Krenuwa was quoted as saying. "People are afraid of what will happen if Boko Haram defeats the security forces."

The Nigerian Premium Times newspaper reported heavy artillery in Maiduguri as Boko Haram militants attacked from four directions.

Boko Haram’s latest attempt to conquer Maiduguri a week ago was repelled by the Nigerian army. However, the militants succeeded in capturing a military base and the town of Monguno- 125km outside Maiduguri.

Tens of thousands of Maiduguri residents have fled their homes because of the conflict, and aid agencies have warned that the fall of the city would trigger a humanitarian disaster.

Boko Haram commenced guerrilla operations in 2009 to create an Islamic caliphate. Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in Borno and two neighbouring states in 2013, vowing to defeat the militants. However, the militants have taken control of several towns and villages in north-eastern Nigeria in the last year.

The conflict has displaced at least 1.5 million people, while over 2,000 were killed last year.

The African Union this week supported plans for the deployment of a West African task force of 7,500 to fight Boko Haram. Four of Nigerian’s neighbours- Cameroon, Benin, Chad and Niger have all agreed to contribute troops.