Nigeria army 'repels' new Boko Haram attack on Maiduguri Published duration 1 February 2015

image copyright EPA image caption The rebels also unsuccessfully tried to capture Mauduguri one week ago

The Nigerian army says it has repelled an assault by Boko Haram Islamist militants on the strategic north-eastern city of Maiduguri.

Defence Ministry spokesman Chris Olukolade is quoted as saying the attack was "contained" and the rebels suffered heavy casualties.

The militants attacked in the early hours of Sunday, and gunfire was reported on the streets of the city.

Last week's assault by Boko Haram on the city was also stopped by the army.

Boko Haram began guerrilla operations in 2009 to create an Islamic state. It has taken control of many towns and villages in north-eastern Nigeria in the last year.

The conflict has displaced at least 1.5 million people, while more than 2,000 were killed last year.

'Stray bullets'

Brig Gen Olukolade was quoted by the AFP news agency as saying that "the terrorists incurred massive casualties" on Sunday.

"The situation is calm as the mopping up operation in the affected area is ongoing," he added.

A number of eyewitnesses confirmed the army claim.

image copyright EPA image caption The sound of heavy gunfire could be heard throughout Maiduguri from early on Sunday morning

image copyright AP image caption Thousands of civilians have been displaced by the violence

They also said that several civilians had been hit by stray bullets and bombs during the fighting.

The military's handling of the six-year insurgency has often been criticised.

Boko Haram at a glance

image copyright AFP

Founded in 2002, initially focused on opposing Western-style education - Boko Haram means "Western education is forbidden" in the Hausa language

Launched military operations in 2009 to create Islamic state

Thousands killed, mostly in north-eastern Nigeria - has also attacked police and UN headquarters in capital, Abuja

Has abducted hundreds, including at least 200 schoolgirls

Controls several north-eastern towns

Has launched attacks on Cameroon

Boko Haram's last attempt to take over Maiduguri a week ago was stopped by the military.

But the militants did succeed in capturing the town of Monguno - 125km (80 miles) outside the city and took over a military base.

With the insurgents gaining more and more territory Maiduguri - home to tens of thousands of people who have fled their homes because of the conflict - has been increasingly vulnerable.

Aid agencies have warned that the fall of the city would trigger a humanitarian disaster.

Analysts say that the rebels are stepping up their attacks ahead of elections in Nigeria on 14 February.

President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in Borno and two neighbouring states in 2013, vowing to defeat the militants.

However, Boko Haram has stepped up attacks since then and there are fears that many people in the north-east will not be able to vote in the election because of the conflict.

Four of Nigeria's neighbours - Benin, Cameroon, Chad and Niger - have agreed to contribute troops.