Sporadic shooting filled the air Wednesday morning as Nigerian military engaged in a gun fight with suspected Boko Haram members, who attempted to seize Biu Town in the northeastern state of Borno, residents and local security sources said.
A journalist named Nafisat Gebu, who lives in the area, said Nigerian troops were fighting hard against the insurgents who moved to take over the army barracks in Biu, the largest town in the southern part of Borno State.
The insurgents arrived in the town early Wednesday, shooting sporadically before the military responded to the attack, said Ali Abubakar, a resident.
The gunfight was still ongoing as of the time of filing this report.
A senior military officer, who confirmed troops were repelling the attack, said the town will not be taken over by the insurgents.