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Suspected terrorists launched an overnight attack on a Nigerian military post in Ajilari Cross, a southwestern suburb of Maiduguri in Borno State, police and residents said Monday.
Authorities reported the attackers, believed to be from Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), were quickly repelled by the military.
Around midnight, locals reported hearing gunfire.
“At about 12:15 am this morning, we started hearing gunshots coming from the military base. Later, we realised it was an attack by insurgents believed to be Boko Haram,” Ajilari Cross resident Mustapha Aminu told AFP.
No civilian casualties were reported, and four attackers were confirmed dead.
Another resident, Yakaka Ali Gana, said: “This is the first time attackers have stormed our community and attacked the military base.”
Police spokesman Nahum Kenneth Daso posted on X that there were reports of a “foiled attack by suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists around Ajilari Cross.”
Joint security personnel have been dispatched to the scene, Daso added, and efforts are being made to evaluate the situation and return things to normal.
Following reports of a foiled attack by suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists around Ajilari Cross – Kofa area of Maiduguri. Joint Security operatives have been mobilized to the scene and efforts are ongoing to assess the situation and restore normalcy.
Members of the public are advised… pic.twitter.com/nrOEeimqQe
— Daso (@nk_daso) March 16, 2026
Also, an emergency services spokesman in Borno told AFP they had received “reports of attacks” by non-state armed groups and that they were “repelled by the military”, with no civilian casualties reported.
Daso also confirmed that a separate attempted attack in the Damboa local government area was also thwarted by security forces.
In another separate incident, at about 0100HRS, Joint security operatives thwart suspected terrorist attack in Damboa LGA. Normalcy have been restored, more details underway. https://t.co/fQ1jMqblQA
— Daso (@nk_daso) March 16, 2026
