Civilians are fleeing into Niger Republic after gunmen attacked and occupied Damasak town, Borno state in northeast Nigeria on Wednesday.

Reports on the ground say this is the third attack in a week and the second in 24 hours — as dozens of jihadist fighters from the Islamic State in West Africa Province have been launching sporadic offensives since last weekend.

The assault comes just days after the militants set ablaze several aid worker facilities in the same town including the United Nations humanitarian hub housing several international agencies.

Adolphus Mawlolo reports.