By Musdapha Ilo, Maiduguri

The Nigerian army on Wednesday repelled an attempt by Boko Haram insurgents to invade Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

A source said that the militants killed six persons and abducted three women at Bale Mammanti, on the outskirts of the city.

A resident said sporadic gunshots were heard around the Maimalari Barracks as the soldiers battled insurgents, who attempted to take control of the military facility.

A resident said the gunshots which sounded for about 30 minutes sent residents running for cover.

It was gathered that the soldiers who noticed the militants prowling around the barracks released shots to prevent them from entering.

Modu Kakami, a member of a youth vigilante group said militants stormed the village of Bale Mammanti, in Jere local government area of Borno state, killings six civilians as well as abducting some women.

Another resident said that the Insurgents might have been after food and cattle.

“We fled into bushes last night because we knew that we are the target but this morning we discovered that all our cattle, rams and foodstuffs were carted away,” he said.

He explained that among the six persons killed by the insurgents were two children.