Gunfire blasts hit Maiduguri

Gunfire and explosions erupted in the city of Maiduguri on Tuesday as soldiers moved into an area where members of Islamist group Boko Haram where believed to be hiding, residents said.

“There have been at least eight explosions in these neighbourhoods and soldiers have moved in with tanks and have taken over the whole area,” one resident said.

Another said the area was largely deserted by residents after earlier signs that soldiers were preparing a crackdown. Alleyways had been sealed off ahead of Tuesday evening’s violence, they said.

Thousands of residents have fled the city amid the spiralling violence.