Manny Ita –
Troops of the Nigerian military in the early hours of Monday repelled an infiltration attempt by suspected fighters of Boko Haram in the Ajilari Cross area of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, restoring calm to the community after a brief security scare.
Security sources said the attempted incursion occurred before dawn when insurgents were reportedly sighted approaching the outskirts of the Ajilari Cross district. Troops stationed within the city quickly responded, engaging the suspects and forcing them to retreat after an exchange of gunfire.
Military authorities said the swift response prevented the insurgents from breaching defensive positions around the area. A security official familiar with the operation said, “Our troops responded promptly after detecting suspicious movements around Ajilari Cross. The insurgents were repelled and forced to withdraw before they could gain access to the community.”
Residents in nearby neighbourhoods reported hearing sporadic gunshots during the early hours but said the situation was quickly brought under control as security forces intensified patrols across the area.
Following the incident, troops cordoned off parts of Ajilari Cross while conducting safety checks and search operations to ensure no threat remains within the vicinity. Another security source said the precautionary measures were necessary to guarantee the safety of residents. “The area has been secured and normalcy has returned, but the cordon is part of standard procedure while clearance operations continue,” the source explained.
Local authorities reassured residents that security forces remain on high alert to prevent further infiltration attempts around Maiduguri and its surrounding communities.
The renewed vigilance comes as the Nigerian military continues its operations against insurgent groups operating in northeastern Nigeria, particularly in Borno State, which has remained a focal point in the country’s long-running counter-insurgency campaign.
