December 2011 Nigeria clashes happened in several towns in northern Nigeria in late December 2011 , within the context of the Boko Haram insurgency . A major confrontation between suspected Boko Haram members and security forces broke out in the city of Damaturu on 22 December 2011 and continued into the next day . Army sources confirmed they had killed at least 50 militants during the two-day battle , over-running an insurgent base and munitions depot . At least 7 soldiers were killed during the clashes , including four that were shot to death in a drive-by attack late on 23 December . Another shootout took place in the remote town of Maiduguri , where at least 11 people were confirmed dead by the local morgue . Residents reported both towns virtually deserted the day after the attacks , which come less than 2 months after a similar deadly assault
deadly assault
2011 Damaturu attacks
December 2011 Nigeria clashes