The Nigerian Army says troops fighting Boko Haram militants in Borno have killed over 20 terrorists and freed 370 persons held hostage by the sect members.
The Deputy Theatre Commander of the ‘Operation Lafiya Dole’, Major General Leo Irabor, told reporters in Maiduguri on Friday that the soldiers also intercepted suicide bombers who attempted to infiltrate the state capital.
He added that two of the alleged suicide bombers blew themselves up while the third, who targeted soldiers at the checkpoint, was gunned down.
Major General Irabor also said that three rifles and 41 motorcycles were destroyed in Dikwa a town in Borno State.
“Terrorists sighted troops and abandoned their families behind and those that they abandoned behind include five women and three children. The women are currently undergoing interrogation.
“In all these encounters, the Nigerian Air Force provided close air support and surveillance cover to the ground troops, he told reporters.
