2 soldiers, 15 militants killed in gunfight in Nigeria

By Rafiu Ajakaye

LAGOS, Nigeria (AA) - Two soldiers and 15 Boko Haram fighters were killed Thursday as the Nigeria-led multinational troops repelled an attack by militants in Abadam town of the country's northeastern Borno state, an army spokesman said Friday.

"During the fierce battle, the troops killed 15 of the insurgents, with many others escaping with gunshot wounds. Sadly, however, two soldiers paid the supreme price in action while four others were wounded," Sani Usman said in a statement.

"The gallant troops recovered weapons and ammunitions from the insurgents. These include a gun truck, one 60mm mortar tube, seven 60mm mortar bombs, a General Purpose Machine (GPMG), three damaged AK 47 rifles, and four bandoliers of anti-aircraft rounds of ammunition," he added.

Thursday's gun duel came just two days after the army liberated Mallam Fatori, a key Boko Haram stronghold in the northernmost part of Borno. Several militants were reported killed in the encounter with troops.

According to the military spokesman Sani Usman, Mallam Fatori -- which was one of the last few towns still held by the militants -- was now under full control of the military.

Multiple security sources in the region told Anadolu Agency that both sides are locked in serious fighting in the northern axis of the insurgency-wracked Borno state - apparently the last lap of the military operations to rid the region of Boko Haram fighters.

That comes amid report of heavy gunfights between the Abubakar Shekau faction of the militant group and that of the Abu Musab Al-Barnawy who was recently crowned the leader of Daesh-affiliated Boko Haram.

"Dozens died in one of such fighting on Tuesday around Boboshe and Mulye areas of Borno state," according to a source privy to the development. The source asked not to be named because of the danger such could pose to him.

The insurgency has claimed tens of thousands of lives, brought communities to ruin as well as displaced over two million people, resulting in devastating humanitarian crisis that both Nigeria and various relief agencies are battling to address.