MAIDUGURI, NIGERIA — Loud explosions and sporadic gunfire erupted in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, late Sunday night into Monday morning as suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists launched an attack on a military outpost on the outskirts of the city, shattering years of relative calm in the metropolis .
The attack occurred around midnight in the Ajilari Cross district, a southwestern suburb of Maiduguri located just a few kilometres from the city’s airport.
Residents reported hearing loud explosions and continuous gunfire that lasted nearly an hour, forcing many to flee their homes in fear.
Security Forces Repel Attack
According to residents, the attackers infiltrated the area around 12:30 a.m. and began shooting sporadically at Dala, Bulamari, and Ajilari Cross
. A combined team of military, police, and civilian JTF forces swiftly responded, engaging the insurgents and forcing them to retreat.
Military helicopters were seen hovering over the city during the incident as security forces worked to contain the situation.
Police Confirm Foiled Attack
The Borno State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, confirmed the incident in a statement, describing it as a “foiled attack by suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists around Ajilari Cross”.
“In a swift and coordinated response, joint security operatives who were already on heightened alert engaged the insurgents and successfully repelled the attacks, forcing the terrorists to retreat,” Daso stated.
He confirmed that no casualties were recorded among security personnel or civilians, though the insurgents are believed to have suffered casualties.
Residents reported seeing at least four corpses of the attackers.
Calm Restored
By Monday morning, the neighbourhood was calm, though tension remained high among residents.
A separate attack was also reported in Damboa Local Government Area, south of Maiduguri, which security forces also repelled.
The attack marks the first major infiltration of Maiduguri in years, as the city had been relatively calm since the last major assault in 2021.
The incident comes amid a resurgence of attacks on military bases in the northeast region.
Authorities have urged residents to remain calm and vigilant, and to report any suspicious activities via emergency lines: 08068075581 and 08023473293.
Disclaimer: This material and other digital content on this website maybe reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed in whole or in part without the prior express written permission of CDA News Nigeria. All rights reserved. © 2026 CDA News Nigeria. | Privacy Policy | Contact Us
Privacy Policy: CDA News Nigeria is committed to protecting your privacy. We collect and use personal information solely for delivering news updates and improving your experience. Your data is never shared with third parties without explicit consent. For full details, visit our website.
Contact: For news tips, inquiries, or feedback, contact CDA News Nigeria at info@cdanews.ng or visit our headquarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
