By Olarewaju Kola
MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (AA)- Dozens of civilians are feared injured or killed as Boko Haram attacked the northeastern Nigerian city of Maiduguri, local security sources and residents said.
The insurgents fired heavy guns into the city from a location on the outskirts as Muslims prepared to break their fast during the holy month of Ramadan, forcing untold masses of residents to flee.
"Increasing gunshots are forcing us to flee our homes. It appears the insurgents have already seized part of the city," resident Mustapha Ali told Anadolu Agency.
The military immediately moved in with fighter jets to push backward the attackers, multiple military sources said.
"More than 12 people may have sustained injuries from stray bullets," said a commander of the local security force, Civilian JTF, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media.
In a statement, the military downplayed the situation.
"The situation in Maiduguri is under control. The general public is requested not to panic and stay calm," said Lt. Col. Samuel Kinsley, a spokesman for the army.
The attack, the first in the area since 2015, came as the nation's acting President Yemi Osibanjo visited for the distribution of food to over 2.5 million displaced by violence in the region.