Boko Haram attacks military base in NE Nigeria

A military base in Nigeria's northeastern state of Adamawa was burned down by militant group Boko Haram in an attempt to take over a town in the province, security sources and residents told Xinhua on Tuesday.

Adamu Kamale, a lawmaker representing the state at the federal parliament, confirmed there was pandemonium in Gulak town of Adamawa State following the incident late Sunday.

Local sources said the militants, in their plot to retake the town, stormed the area in four vehicles and headed straight to the military base. They took away guns and burned some artillery belonging to Nigeria's security forces, an unnamed official said.

Adamawa State police chief Ahmed Sajo said authorities have deployed more troops to the town.

James Ularamu, a former official of Madagali district, where Gulak town is located, told Xinhua the troops deployed to the area prevented the militants from retaking the town for a second time.

Armed civilians also joined forces with security operatives as they engaged in gun battle with the militants, the former official said.

Boko Haram has since 2009 waged a campaign of violence in Nigeria in an effort to establish an Islamic state. It has killed some 13,000 people and kidnapped hundreds, with surrounding countries such as Niger, Chad and Cameroon affected.

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has given this month a deadline for the army to end the Boko Haram insurgency. Endit