Nigerian authorities have imposed a curfew in the north-eastern city of Damaturu after clashes between Islamist militants and the army - and reinstated a Kaduna state-wide ban on movements.
The violence broke out on Monday, escalating overnight, with unconfirmed reports suggesting at least 25 deaths.
It follows Sunday's suicide bomb attacks, claimed by Boko Haram, on churches in Kaduna state.
Nigeria's main Christian body called the attacks "religious cleansing".
Sunday's suicide bomb attacks killed 16 people and sparked deadly revenge attacks in Kaduna, killing scores.
In a statement released to the AFP news agency, the Christian Association of Nigeria said the bombings were a clear indication that Boko Haram "has declared war on Christians and Christianity in Nigeria".
"The pattern of bombings and gun attacks suggests to us a systematic religious cleansing which reminds Christians of the genesis of a Jihad," it said.
The Christian group also criticised President Goodluck Jonathan's response, saying this had "cast a hallmark of weakness" on his presidency.
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