The militants on January 25, 2015 carried out simultaneous attacks in Maiduguri, Monguno and Konduga.

Fighters of the terrorist sect Boko Haram on Sunday, January 25, 2015 carried out simultaneous attacks  in Borno State of north-eastern Nigeria notably in the strategically important State capital, Maiduguri, Konduga  and also captured Monguno town,  BBC reported.

The military repelled the attack on Maiduguri that began just after midnight as well as the second attack at the city’s airport in the afternoon, security sources reportedly said. Nigeria`s defence headquarters tweeted that coordinated land and air operations were being used to repel the attacks and a curfew had been imposed on Maiduguri.

Ground troops, air strikes and local vigilantes managed to stop the suspected Boko Haram fighters from penetrating the city. Much of the fighting was around barracks. Fierce fighting was reported on the outskirts of Maiduguri. A curfew remains in place and dozens of militants and soldiers are reported to have been killed.

The Boko Haram militants in another attack captured the town of Monguno some 140 km north of Maiduguri. Press reports said, the army was overwhelmed by Boko Haram’s firepower and some of the soldiers have been fleeing to the barracks in Maiduguri. BBC reported that the militants launched the third attack at Konduga town, some 40 km from Borno State capital, Maiduguri  but the military repelled the raid.

The simultaneous Boko Haram attacks in Borno State coincided with the visit of John Kerry, the United States of America (U.S.A.) Secretary of State to Nigeria. He came to urge the candidates for the presidential elections of February 14, 2015 and their supporters to respect the election outcome and underscored the U.S. concerns that post-election violence could destabilize Nigeria and undermine the fight against Boko Haram.