Militants attack Maiduguri

Hundreds of militants have staged a multi-pronged attack on the northern Nigerian city of Maiduguri, witnesses say.

On entering the city, the attackers split into smaller groups - heading for the barracks, the university and an area where civil servants live.
The militants failed in an attempt to free colleagues held in the barracks, an army spokesman said.

Local residents say there was a heavy exchange of fire near Giwa barracks, as the military tried to fight off the insurgents.

Air force jets were seen flying over the city following the dawn attack.
"They set many houses on fire and killed innocent people," local resident Jamila Yusuf told Nigeria's Daily Trust newspaper.
Defence ministry spokesman Chris Olukolade said the attackers had suffered "heavy casualties" in their attempt to free detainees. He said four soldiers had been wounded.
The attack came as UN human rights chief Navi Pillay was in the country. She told journalists that "many Nigerians openly acknowledge human rights violations have been committed by the security forces".

"These have served to alienate communities, and create fertile ground for Boko Haram to cultivate new recruits," she said.
There was also at least one explosion at Maiduguri university and houses were hit, residents say. It is not clear whether the blasts were set off by Boko Haram or whether they were the result of strikes by the air force.