Nigeria's Maiduguri under curfew after Boko Haram attack

Nigeria's military has imposed a curfew in the
main north-eastern city of Maiduguri after a
surprise attack by militant Islamist group Boko
Haram.
Streets are deserted with markets, schools and
hospitals shut in the densely populated city,
reports say.
The army said the lockdown was ordered to
protect lives and property.
Troops and vigilantes fought off the militants on
Tuesday evening as they tried to enter Maiduguri,
residents told the BBC.
This was their most serious attempt to enter the
city since the military declared in March that it
had recaptured all urban areas from Boko Haram,
says BBC Nigeria analyst Aliyu Tanko.
Boko Haram is linked to Islamic State, which is
fighting for a global caliphate.
Maiduguri, a city of about two million people, is
Boko Haram's former headquarters.
Pro-military vigilante leader Yusuf Sani told AFP
news agency that six of his men were killed and
12 others were wounded when three female
suicide bombers detonated their devices.
"The terrorists suffered serious casualties," he
added.
An army statement said the curfew would remain
in force for 24 hours and the "situation is firmly
under control".

Sources- www.bbc.com