Boko Haram, soldiers clash in Maiduguri

Members of the Boko Haram and the JTF  (Operation Restore Peace) clashed in Maaiduguri, the Borno State capital on Thursday evening. The exchange of gun fire took place at Gwasari Ward behind the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) and lasted for some hours. According to an eyewitness who would not disclose his name for fear of being attacked, the JTF overpowered the Boko Haram members, who fled and left behind their guns, which were picked up by the JTF forces.

The casualty figure was not immediately known.

In another development, another bomb blast rocked the capital city on Thursday, along Barga Road, near the Timber Market at about 2.30 pm, which forced traders to close their shops and took to their heels for fear of being attacked. No casualty was however recorded. The JTF immediately cordoned off the area.

JTF spokesman, Lt Col. Hassan Mohammed, confirmed the incident but added that no casualty was recorded. He explained that before the bomb could explode, men of the JTF detonated it, which accounted for why its impact was minimal. He assured the people of the readiness of the JTF to protect their lives and property, urging them to go about their normal businesses.