Heavy artillery sounds and sporadic gunshots have been heard across Damaturu, the Yobe State capital.

Confusion started around 6:00 O’clock this evening as residents scrambled for safety after sighting heavy presence of armed security personnel around the southern part of the town.

It was, however, followed with heavy artillery and sounds of gunshots across the town with more intensity around the southern part bounded by Gujba and Gulani local government areas believed to be the stronghold of the Boko Haram insurgents.

Since the attack on Damaturu on December 1, 2014, which was followed by attacks on Damagum, Geidam and Babbangida, Yobe residents have continued to live in fear of more attack by Boko Haram.

There is no official comment yet on what is going on but it is believed that Boko Haram fighters and Nigerian troops are engaged in a battle.

•Adapted from a Channels TV report. Photo shows scene of a Boko Haram attack.