Damaturu, the Yobe State capital, descended into chaos with explosions and gunshots, which began at the Sabon Pegi area of the city, Monday evening.
Residents of the city said they panicked and locked themselves up in their homes.
An eye witness said the attackers were attempting to take over the government house, adding that there was also an explosion at the Potiskum Prison which is in the state.
Though details of the attackers and their targets are still sketchy, JTF commander, Col. Dahiru Abdulsalam said there are reports that Boko Haram members were presently hiding out within a primary school.
He also said that his men have moved into the town and the situation has been brought under control. This has however not been independently verified.
Many residents of the town are trapped outside the town and those within have taken refuge.
Yobe state has suffered from at least two major attacks in the last seven months.