World Bulletin / News Desk 

Nigerian authorities on Thursday morning imposed a 24-hour curfew on Maiduguri, the provincial capital of the northeastern Borno State, hours after Boko Haram attacked a military barrack in the city.

"In view of the recent development within Maiduguri metropolis, a 24-hour curfew is hereby imposed in the city," Tukur Gusau, an army spokesman, said in a statement.

"This is done to protect lives and property of innocent and law abiding people of Maiduguri," he added.

The spokesman insisted that the situation "is firmly under control."

Gunmen attempted to enter Maiduguri late Wednesday in a derring-do attack that was the first in many months.

Defense spokesman Chris Olukolade had confirmed the attack.

"It is true but the attack has been curtailed," Olukolade told Anadolu Agency late Wednesday.

The Nigerian military – backed by Nigerien and Chadian troops – recently liberated all territory captured earlier by Boko Haram in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states.

In the face of the government's recent onslaught, Boko Haram members are believed to have retreated back into the forest.