Nigerian military officials imposed a curfew in Maiduguri after Islamic terrorist group Boko Haram launched a surprise attack.

Witnesses say the streets are empty in the town with all schools, markets and hospitals shut down.  The army claims the action is in place to protect the city.

The terrorists were fought off by a coalition of military troops and local residents.  The terrorists reportedly focused on taking over a heavily fortified army base.

Maiduguri is the largest city in north-eastern Nigeria with around two million citizens.  The town had been a base for Boko Haram until recent military victories drove the terrorist group out of villages and into the woods.

Military officials called it the strongest attempt by the terrorists to recapture the town since March declaration by the government that all major towns have been cleared of the terrorist group.

A leader of the civilian troops told AFP news agency that the terrorists suffered “serious casualties” before they withdrew.

The Army says that Boko Haram has now planted land mines around the border of the game reserve where they are hiding after being driven out of the cities.