Boko Haram lays siege on Maiduguri.

Reports have surfaced claiming that Boko Haram have laid an attack o key North-Eastern capital of Borno, Maiduguri.

The fighting took place even on the outskirts as the military stood their ground while the insurgents tried to gain access into the city.

A curfew has been imposed with immediate effect and air strikes have been employed in the defence effort.

Residents of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state, say they woke to sustained loud explosions and gunshots.

Roads and business have been closed by security forces.

The attack appeared to have begun in the Njimtilo district on the edge of the city.

Maiduguri would be a major prize for Boko Haram, which last tried to take the city in December 2013.

On 16 January, President Jonathan made his first visit to the north-east since March 2013.

He told some of the 5,000 refugees who fled recent Boko Haram violence: “I want to assure you that you will soon go back to your houses.”

He pledged that “all the areas under the control of Boko Haram will soon be recaptured.”