Nigerian troops kill ‘several’ insurgents: army

ABUJA: Several Boko Haram insurgents have been killed in a fierce battle with Nigerian troops in a northeastern town near Maiduguri, an army statement said Wednesday.

Pick-up vehicles with mounted machine- and anti-aircraft guns, an armoured personnel carrier and assorted arms and ammunition were recovered after the battle late Tuesday, an army spokesman was quoted as saying.

"During the fight, several terrorists were killed and those fleeing Konduga with gunshot wounds are being pursued," said Brigadier General Olajide Olaleye.

Konduga is about 35 kilometres (22 miles) from Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state and former headquarters of the Islamist sect Boko Haram.

A military source who requested anonymity said "scores" had been killed, claiming "the terrorists suffered heavy casualties for the second time in a few days."

"Our troops killed scores of Boko Haram insurgents and destroyed many of their vehicles including the armoured carrier they came with," said the source.

A resident of Kawuri village near Konduga, Nguddo Burye, confirmed the high casualty number.

"The battle scene was littered with bodies of Boko Haram insurgents and many burnt vehicles including an armoured carrier," he said.

Olaleye also denied reports that a Nigerian military convoy was ambushed on Sunday by Boko Haram militants in central Kogi state.

He said armed robbers attacked an artillery regiment travelling in seven buses, after mistaking them for civilians, adding that three soldiers were injured. (AFP)