A combined troops of ground and air component of Operation Lafiya Dole on Tuesday evening pushed Boko Haram fighters out of Maiduguri after the insurgents launched a heavy attack on Jidari Polo area of the town.
The insurgents, according to residents, came into the area and started shooting recklessly and throwing explosive devices in different directions.
Some of the residents informed the insurgents were throwing grenade rockets launchers into civilian residences, causing fear and panic.
The attack, which started around 5.30 pm close to the break of the Muslim fast, caught other residents unawares as some of them were returning from markets or work.
Civilian sources say they arrived in four gun trucks and motorbikes after sand filling trenches dug by security forces, for easy passage.
They met stiff resistance by the military who prevented them from gaining access to the town.
“As we speak, the situation has been calmed down with the heavy re-enforcement of ground troops from Giwa Barracks and the air component of Operation Lafiya Dole. We have pushed them out of the area as we speak,” the source informed.
Reports gathered many residents of Jidari have fled into the city centre while others are hiding in their houses.
“Many people have fled the area. There was pandemonium with the heavy exchange of gunfire in the fight. Many people were also stuck in traffic as they tried to leave the area because of the bad road network in the area,” a resident, Ahmed Gana informed.
Calm has since been restored as residents have continued their activities in preparation for the Eid celebrations.
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