14/03/2014 18:45
Nigeria Boko Haram: 'Hundreds' attack Maiduguri
Hundreds of militants have staged a multi-pronged attack on the northern Nigerian city of Maiduguri, the BBC reported, citing witnesses.
On entering the city, the attackers split into smaller groups - heading for the barracks, the university and an area where civil servants live.
The militants failed in an attempt to free colleagues held in the barracks, an army spokesman said.
Militants suspected to be from Boko Haram have killed 500 people this year.
Local residents say there was a heavy exchange of fire near Giwa barracks, as the military tried to fight off the insurgents.
Air force jets were seen flying over the city following the dawn attack.
"They set many houses on fire and killed innocent people," local resident Jamila Yusuf told Nigeria's Daily Trust newspaper.
Defence ministry spokesman Chris Olukolade said the attackers had suffered "heavy casualties" in their attempt to free detainees. He said four soldiers had been wounded.
Human rights groups say hundreds of suspects held in Giwa barracks have died and torture there has been rife.