Nigerian military imposes 24-hour curfew on troubled northern city after attack

Military authorities in Nigeria on Thursday imposed a 24-hour curfew on the troubled northern city of Maiduguri which came under an attack by armed men on Wednesday.

The armed men, suspected to be Boko Haram fighters, made an attempt to invade the city, also known as headquarters of the terror group, but met stiff resistance of Nigerian forces.

A statement by the Nigerian army headquarters said the curfew was imposed Thursday, in view of the security problem in Maiduguri, capital of the northeastern state of Borno.

"This is done to protect lives and property of innocent and law abiding people of Maiduguri," the statement said, adding the situation has firmly been put under control.

Heavy shootings were heard in some parts of Maiduguri on Wednesday, heralding the attempted invasion by attackers. Residents said they heard explosions and deafening sounds from high caliber weapons before security operatives arrived and cordoned off the area.

The shooting started at about 6.30 p.m. around a military base, located about two km from the troubled city.

Maiduguri experienced a major attack by Boko Haram on Feb. 1, leading to the death of at least 100 people, mostly the Boko Haram fighters. Endi