By Rafiu Ajakaye
LAGOS Nigeria (AA) - At least nine people were killed as the Nigerian army repelled a Boko Haram attempt to overrun troops’ position in northeastern Buni Yadi town, officials said Sunday.
Army spokesman Sagir Musa said in a statement that the militants launched an attack on the military base in the town on Saturday evening.
“Though the terrorists appeared prepared for the attack as they approached the military location with four gun trucks, a mine resistant ambush protection, a MOWAC and assorted arms and ammunitions, they, however, suffered heavy losses as five of the bandits/terrorists were effectively deleted,” according to Musa.
He said the troops also captured heavy weapons and a motor cycle.
Musa said one officer and three soldiers were also killed in the encounter while five soldiers were wounded and are being treated.
The attack came one day after 11 persons including three suicide bombers were killed in an attack on a mosque in Maiduguri, capital city of Borno State.
Boko Haram militants, some of whom are officially affiliated to Daesh, have intensified attacks in the region.