24-hour curfew has been imposed on Maiduguri metropolis and its environs by the Army, following attacks by Boko Haram insurgents on Wednesday.

The military authority at the 7 Division Nigerian Army declared a 24-hour curfew on the city following a seemingly failed attempt by Boko Haram terrorists to attack the state capital,  Maiduguri and possibly invade the Giwa Barracks of the new Division, officials said.

Maiduguri was last night turned chaotic as residents living around the southern flank of the city were forced to flee their homes as soldiers responded with various calibre of fire arms including artillery guns, to an attack being carried out at Kayamla,  a village not quite 10km away from the main town.

According to some military officials who spoke in their personal capacity but wished not to be quoted in the press, the soldiers at Kayamla were able to repel and kill scores of the terrorists at Kayamla village. 

An operative of the Civilian-JTF,  Ibrahim Musa, told journalists in Maiduguri that “the Boko Haram terrorists wanted to attack Giwa barracks but they could not make through the deep trench and sand walls that have been dug long ago around Maiduguri city. Many of them were killed outside the trenches while some fled back. We were with the soldiers during the attack and I was shocked to see that Boko Haram could be in such large number”.

The Civilian-JTF operative said but there is fear that some of the terrorists may have snuck into the town.

A statement issued by the army spokesman at the 7 Division Nigerian Army, Col Tukur Gusau,  confirmed the 24 hours 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.

Maiduguri is generally calm now, even as residents are still being jolted with the periodic firing of thunderous artilleries by soldiers in the barracks to possibly wade off the terrorists who may want to stage a repeat of the attack.