Boko Haram attack mars Nigeria's victory claims

There are reports of a "massive" attack in northern Nigerian border town of Bama, a day after a presidential spokesman said the army was "winning the war" against Islamist militants.

Borno state senator Ahmed Zanna told the BBC the attack on Bama had lasted for five hours on Wednesday morning.

On Tuesday, spokesman Doyin Okupe said the military was "on top of the situation".

More than 245 people have been killed this year alone by suspected Islamists.

Several thousand have lost their lives since Boko Haram began its uprising in 2009.

Mr Okupe's statement contradicted the comments of the governor of Borno state, where Boko Haram was founded.

Governor Kashim Shettima called for reinforcements and said the insurgents were "better armed and better motivated" than the security forces.

Details of what happened in Bama are still sketchy but residents have also contacted the BBC Hausa service to report the attack.

The border town has been attacked several times in the past.

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