Nigerian soldiers are reportedly in a battle with Boko Haram gunmen, trying to overrun Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

The Boko haram militants who entered the town on foot are said to be armed with AK 47s and rocket propelled launchers. The fighting broke out at about 6.30pm  and soldiers of the 7 Division are said to be repelling the attackers.

The jihadists invaded Jiddari Polo, an area on the outskirts of the capital of northeastern Borno state, Maiduguri, at around 6:30 pm (1730 GMT), shooting guns and unleashing explosives.

“We had just finished evening prayer in the mosque when we began to hear the barrages of artillery fire and sound of gunfire,” said local Shehu Mala.

Nigeria’s military responded with artillery fire, forcing the attackers to retreat.