Nigeria’s army says it thwarted a Boko Haram attack in the northern city of Damaturu, killing several militants and seizing weapons.
Tuesday’s attempted raid is reported to have been the first in the city by the militant group since 2014.
Army spokesman Njoka Irabor said in a statement said soldiers “successfully laid an ambush which led to the extermination of many Boko Haram terrorists”.
“The vigilant troops effectively ambushed the criminals (a) few metres (yards) ahead of Maisandari community (on) the outskirts of the city of Damaturu,” he added.
Boko Haram has waged years of war in West Africa, seeking to enforce an extremist jihadist system of governance.
The war has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions others, creating humanitarian crisis in some areas.
Collective military efforts by armies from West African countries have forced the militants into hiding, though they still manage to stage attacks occasionally.
Crushing Boko haram remains a key focus for Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari.
