More than 100 Boko Haram militants have been killed by Nigerian soldiers in a rare victory as the insurgents advanced on a town near the northeast Nigerian city of Maiduguri.
One officer said a feared Boko Haram commander was among some 150 militants killed in a battle on Friday in Konduga town, 35km from Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state and birthplace of the extremist group.
The officer spoke on condition of anonymity because he is not authorised to speak to reporters.
A member of the local vigilance group, Kolobe Abdullahi, told journalists that the residents could not sleep on Thursday night when they got the hint that insurgents intended to attack the town.
Abdullahi said, “People saw them when they were coming and they were seriously dealt with. As I am telling you, more than 100 of the Boko Haram members were killed and several others were injured.
“We destroyed all their utility vehicles, some cars and motorcycles. We also seized some arms and vehicles.”
A military source within the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maiduguri also confirmed on the telephone that the insurgents were dealt with.”
The military authorities confirmed the killing, adding that three Hilux vans and one other Buffalo vehicle with mounted anti-aircraft guns, three general purpose machine guns and over 30 AK 47 rifles were recovered from the terrorists.
A statement issued in Abuja by Col. T. Antigha of the Army Public Relations said four soldiers were injured in the three-hour battle.
The Army said photographs taken at the scene of battle would be circulated as soon as they are available.
The statement read, “At about 5.30 am today (Friday), Boko Haram terrorists launched a massive attack on Konduga town, about 35 kilometres from Maiduguri. After about three hours of fierce fighting, Nigerian troops routed the Boko Haram fighting force of over a hundred terrorists.
“Further to the staggering loss of men, Boko Haram also suffered extensive losses in equipment. Four Nigerian soldiers were wounded in action. The entire area is still being combed for terrorists who may have escaped with bullet wounds. Morale of troops remains very high.”
Boko Haram in recent weeks has taken a string of towns stretching over 320km alongside Nigeria's northeast border with Cameroon in a new campaign to create an Islamic caliphate.
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