Fighters from Boko Haram have launched an attack on Maidugiri in north eastern Nigeria.
Reports indicate that intense fighting is taking place on the outskirts of the city as militants attempt to enter it.
A curfew has been imposed on the city while the military is also carrying out air strikes in the town.
Maiduguri, according to the BBC, is home to tens of thousands of people who have fled Boko Haram attacks and was visited on Saturday by President Goodluck Jonathan.
The BBC reports that the attack begun in the Njimtilo district of the town on the edge of the city.
One resident there, Rachel Adamu, told Reuters: “Please pray for us, we are in danger, under serious attack now.”
The BBC’s Chris Ewokor in Abuja said the military are carrying out co-ordinated air strikes and ground attacks against the insurgents.
About Boko Haram
Founded in 2002
Initially focused on opposing Western education – Boko Haram means“Western education is forbidden” in the Hausa language
Launched military operations in 2009 to create an Islamic state.
Thousands killed, mostly in north-eastern Nigeria – but also attacks on police and UN headquarters in capital, Abuja.
Some three million people affected
Declared terrorist group by US in 2013
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By: citifmonline.com/Ghana