Thousands of Maiduguri residents living around the Nigerian Army’s Giwa barracks fled their homes Wednesday as Boko Haram terrorists launched a late evening attack, PREMIUM TIMES can reports.

The attack, which commenced at about 6:30pm was heralded by distant sounds of gunshots that continued to get louder and louder.

Residents of the troubled city living around the southern flank of the town had to defy the 7p.m. curfew to flee.

An officer with Nigeria’s secret police, the State Security Service, who asked not to be named because he had no permission to speak with journalists, said, “The attack is  going on in Kayamla village right at the outskirts of Maiduguri.”

Kayamla is about 10 km away from Maiduguri town.

Fleeing men, women and children were seen crying for help as those with asthma or arthritis were collapsing on the way as their relatives cry for help.

The attack came exactly a year after Boko Haram insurgents attacked Giwa barracks, and freed some of their members.

The spokesman of the 7 Division, Nigerian Army,  Col Tukur Gusau,  told journalists troops had moved in to  bring the situation under control.

He said, “Please be calm as we are right on top of the situation.”