Kano, Nigeria (CNN)Hundreds of Boko Haram gunmen on Sunday launched a predawn attack on the Nigerian city of Maiduguri and were locked in a fierce battle with government troops on the outskirts of the city, according to the military, residents and citizen vigilantes. The militants launched a simultaneous attack on the town of Monguno and were apparently successful in taking control of the town and its military barracks, a Nigerian military officer in Maiduguri told CNN. "Our soldiers initially repelled the terrorists but they mobilized more fighters and came back in full force. They overwhelmed our troops and forced them to retreat," said the officer, who asked not to be named because he was not authorized to speak to the media.
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Boko Haram takes control of Monguno and its huge military barracks, military says
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Military using jets to bomb Boko Haram positions, a vigilante says; curfew in place, residents flee
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On Friday, Boko Haram released 192 hostages taken in January 6 raid; 26 boys still being held
Its fall means Boko Haram is in good position to advance on @placeholder, which has been its goal for months.