Boko Haram Islamist insurgents attacked the northeastern Nigerian town of Buni Yadi in Yobe state late Thursday, with military troops seen heading toward the area.

"Many residents of Buni Yadi where seen fleeing to Damaturu," said Ibrahim Mohammed, a member of a pro-government hunter group, referring to the state capital. "They journeyed all through the night to escape being captured or killed by the insurgents."

A detachment of soldiers in armored personnel carriers and a fighter jet were seen moving toward Buni Yadi early Friday, Abubakar Imam, a resident of Damaturu, said.

Africa’s most populous nation has been suffering from the worst spate of violence since President Muhammadu Buhari took office on May 29. Bombings in the Nigerian cities of Jos and Zaria killed nearly 70 people in the past week.