Boko Haram attacks Buni Yadi in northern Nigerian -military sources

It was also reported that a fighter jet came to Damaturu, hovering round the town for some minutes before moving southwards towards the troubled Buni-Yadi. It was not clear if fighting was continuing in the area.

The security sources said the blast went off a few metres from the office at about 7 a.m. local time (0600 GMT).

The officer said the Boko Haram terrorists engaged security forces on ground late evening on Thursday in Buni-Yadi in an effort to regain the territory that will ease their advancement into Damaturu. While they were inspecting their homes, Boko Haram gunmen on a motorcycle opened fire on them killing five men and three women. “Our people have mobilized for reinforcement”, Nigerian military sources told Reuters. Buni Yadi was one of the towns captured by the insurgent group in 2014 and then reclaimed in March by Nigeria’s army.

The militants have since dispersed and reverted to guerrilla tactics, including hitting towns well outside its Borno state heartland such as in Kaduna and Plateau states over the last two weeks.

In a statement signed by the JNI Secretary-General, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, the organisation urged Nigerians not to link the attacks to the religion of Islam, saying: “For the avoidance of doubts, these repeated acts are evil, ungodly and of course have no bases in Islam”.

The suspects were said to have been arrested at a military checkpoint in Gombe State by a joint team of soldiers and secret service agents.

Northern and central Nigeria have seen frequent attacks on civilian and government targets since last week, leaving more than 200 people dead. He did not say who they were.

“There are no formal negotiations going on now between the current government and the insurgents for the release of the girls as such”, Eno said.