Combined security operatives, including troops from the land and air components of Operation Hadin Kai, the Police, and the Civilian Joint Task Force, successfully repelled a heavy terrorist attack on Monday at Ajilari Cross in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
The terrorists stormed the area around 12:35 a.m., shooting sporadically before security operatives were mobilised to the scene.
The spokesperson for the Borno State Police Command, ASP Nahum Daso, confirmed the attack to our correspondent, stating that the assault was foiled by security forces.
"Yes, there was a suspected terrorist attack in Ajilari.
As of this time, I can confirm that the attack has been foiled by combined security operatives, including the police, military, hunters, Civilian Joint Task Force, and Civil Defence," Daso said.
When asked about casualties, the Police Public Relations Officer stated, "For now, we are yet to get any information regarding that."
He called on members of the public to remain calm and desist from sharing unverified information that could cause panic.
Residents confirmed that the atmosphere in the city had returned to calm.
A resident of Maiduguri, Sani Kidda, told Punch that "everywhere is calm now, and the tension has reduced."
He called for continuous security surveillance across the state capital to restore full confidence among residents.
The attack comes less than two weeks after terrorists attacked Ngoshe, a community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, where they burnt down a military base, killed many civilians, and abducted over 300 residents.
Following that attack, a group identified as Jama'atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda'awati wal-Jihad claimed responsibility, vowing to extend terror activities to Maiduguri and Abuja.
In a one-minute, 30-second video obtained by our correspondent, the group, comprising five men, said they were determined to claim territory and rename it.
Speaking in Hausa on behalf of the group, one member acknowledged that they beheaded men and women during the attack and threatened further operations.
"In the name of Allah, the most merciful and most beneficial.
We, Jama'atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda'awati wal-Jihad, under the leadership of Imam Abu Umaima, thank God Almighty for helping us succeed in our mission in Ngoshe.
Today, we are inside the central mosque in Ngoshe.
People in this town are saying that we cannot conquer Ngoshe.
With the help of God, we have already conquered the town.
We are not going to stop only in Ngoshe. We will attack Maiduguri and proceed to Abuja," the terrorist stated.
Monday's successful repulsion of the attack demonstrates the improved coordination and readiness of security forces in the region, though concerns remain about the insurgents' ability to launch assaults in urban areas.
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