Timothy Olanrewaju, Maiduguri

Maiduguri residents have been thrown into panic following heavy firing heard in different locations in the capital early today.

Scores of residents around 1000 Housing Estate and those along Maiduguri-Damaturu Road are fleeing their homes as heavy sounds like multiple bomb explosions were heard in the area between 6:18am and 6:35am.

Military jet is also hovering around the city, fuelling fears among residents.

Two military sources said the heavy sounds were from a “simulation” exercise to keep off Boko Haram who might be at the outskirts attempting to cause any violence.

There was no public information from the military earlier regarding such exercise.

Spokesman of Operation Lafiya Dole, Col  Ado Isa, neither picked nor return calls to him to confirm the development as preparations for voting get underway.

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