Nigerian Troops In Maiduguri Firing To Scare Boko Haram

PHOTO CREDIT: PR NIGERIA

Some residents of the uneasy northeastern Nigerian city of Maiduguri said they were in panic mode after hearing sustained shooting that emanated from two military barracks there. Several sources told SaharaReporters that there were prolonged bouts of shooting from Giwa and Maimalari barracks in Maiduguri.

A military source confirmed the shooting, but denied that they had to do with attacks by the Islamist insurgency group, Boko Haram. Instead, the military officer said the shooting was meant to scare away Boko Haram militants.

Residents of the city were already terrified following a statement by Governor Kashim Shettima who declared that Islamist militants were aiming to invade and seize Maiduguri following their military successes in Adamawa State.

Our military source explained that the shooting was preemptive and aimed at discouraging the Islamist fighters from contemplating an attack on Maiduguri. 

“Our troops are more than capable of defending Maiduguri,” said the officer, adding that residents should go about their business without fear. ...Saharareporters