Boko Haram fighters and Nigerian security personnel are reportedly locked in a fierce battle as the rebels seek to take control of Damature, Yobe State capital.
Witnesses say a large contingent of militants arrived the state capital and began shooting sporadically at about 4:45 AM Nigerian time on Gujiba road
A journalist with Channels television is reportedly missing.
The militants have also attacked schools, a mobile police base and several state institutions in the raid.
They are reportedly approaching the government house with the aim of taking over the state capital.