Nigeria-Boko Haram Battle

The Islamist group had free reign in the city until early last year when they were pushed out by the military.

It appears as though they are trying to stage a comeback, leading to speculations that an attack on the city may be imminent.

The military has dismissed the suggestion outright.

A retired military officer however said the military should not take its control of the city for granted.

Much of the fear of a possible attack stems from Boko Haram's reported capture of the strategic town of Bama, 70 kilometers away from Maiduguri.

Nigerian military warplanes are said to have carried out air strikes against Boko Haram militant bases in the area.

Officials say Nigeria's military is battling Boko Haram fighters at Bama.

Meanwhile, some residents continue to flee Maiduguri over fears of a possible attack by the militants

The government however continues to deny that Bama has fallen to the militants.

Despite the recent setbacks, the military maintains that it still has the capacity to end the insurgency and is asking citizens to show more support and motivate the troops.

That support is now growing as thousands of youths in the city of Maiduguri now say they will assist in bringing down Boko Haram.

By Bonareri Nyamoita.