Gunmen, suspected to be members of Boko Haram attacked a military barrack

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Gunmen, suspected to be members of Boko Haram have attacked a military barrack in Bama in Borno State, North Eastern Nigeria, prompting an emergency meeting between President Goodluck Jonathan, Service Chiefs and the Inspector General of Police.

The gunmen, suspected to be members of Boko Haram, entered Banki town from a cell located across Nigeria’s border with Cameroon and attacked the barrack using rocket propelling guns.

There were unconfirmed reports that some civilians, including women and children were killed in the attack that occurred in the early hours of Friday.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

The Director of Defence Information, Major-General Chris Olukolade, confirmed the incident but said that armed troops from the Nigerian Military repelled the attack.

He did not disclose if there were any casualties.

President Jonathan had been scheduled to preside over the decoration of 48 newly promoted Major-Generals in the Army, Navy and Air Force but went into a meeting with the Service Chiefs which was also attended by the Inspector-General of Police, Muhammed Abubakar, at the Command Officers’ Mess, Asokoro Abuja.

“The nation is going through trying times and there is the need for all hands to be on deck to ensure the protection of lives and property in the country,” the president said.

He urged the newly promoted officers to go extra mile to justify their new positions and help save the reputation of the country.