Joint Task Force Battles Boko Haram sect members in Maiduguri

The Joint Task Force on Operation Restore Order killed no fewer than 16 suspected memebrs of the Boko Haram sect in an overnight gun battle in the Borno State capital, Maiduguri.

As JTF reportedly searched through the sect’s suspected enclaves in the city, the group’s members allegedly resisted the onslaught.

This led to booming sounds of guns and bombs all through Tuesday night.

Many residents of the city fled, for fear of being caught in the crossfire.

Witnesses said the gun battle focused on the West End area of the city to Custom and Shehuri area.

JTF apparently moved to dislodge the sect’s members after receiving threats that soldiers and security agents would be attacked.

Residents of Lawan Bukar area in the city fled their homes for fear of being caught in the battle.

The Associated Press said the military confirmed that it had killed 16 suspected “Boko Haram terrorists” after hours of gunfire.

Witnesses, however, said civilians were hit by stray rounds.

Ascology