Suspected terrorists linked to Boko Haram launched an overnight assault on a military outpost at Ajilari, on the outskirts of Maiduguri in Borno State, triggering panic among residents and prompting a swift response from security forces.

Security sources said the attackers infiltrated the area around 12:30 a.m., targeting the military position located near Ajilari Cross.

The incident reportedly occurred at about the same time as another attack in Baga, where insurgents were also said to have engaged troops stationed at the local military base.

According to sources familiar with the situation, the attackers attempted to breach the military location before encountering resistance from troops on duty.

A combined security response involving personnel of the Nigerian military, police operatives, members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, and the Nigerian Air Force was immediately mobilised to repel the assault.

The coordinated response forced the suspected insurgents to retreat after a brief but intense exchange of gunfire.

Spokesperson for the Borno State Police Command, Nahum Kenneth Daso, confirmed the incident in a brief telephone conversation.

“The suspected terrorists attacked Ajilari Cross. Call me later for details, please,” he said.

Residents in nearby communities said the attack caused momentary panic as gunshots and explosions echoed through the night.

Many locals who had gathered for night prayers were seen in groups discussing the incident while security helicopters hovered overhead.

A resident of the Gomari area, Bashir Yusuf, described the situation as frightening.

“We were very scared; the whole air was taken over by gunshots and explosions. But Alhamdulillah, the situation is calm and prayers have begun,” he said.

The latest attack comes amid renewed concerns over a resurgence of insurgent activities in parts of northeastern Nigeria.

In recent weeks, armed groups have increasingly targeted military formations and security installations across parts of the region.

Security analysts say such attacks are often aimed at testing the strength and response capacity of troops stationed in conflict-prone areas.

Last week, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, convened an emergency meeting with the country’s Service Chiefs to review the security situation.

Following the meeting, the defence chief briefed Bola Tinubu alongside other top security officials.

Musa later disclosed that the Service Chiefs had agreed to adjust their operational strategy in the ongoing counter-insurgency campaign.

He also noted that the President approved the acquisition of additional military hardware to strengthen ongoing operations against insurgent groups.

Authorities say security forces remain on high alert as efforts continue to prevent further attacks and stabilise affected communities across the region.