1st LD: Nigerian troops repel Boko Haram attack in northern town

Nigeria's Defense Headquarters said on Saturday that a combination of air and ground operation repelled an attack on a northeastern town of Bama by Boko Haram militants.

In a statement reaching Xinhua in Lagos, Nigeria's economic hub, Chris Olukolade, spokesperson for the Defense Headquarters, said over a score of the terrorists died while others fled with wounds.

Last Monday, Nigerian troops regained full control of northeast Bama town in Borno State after clearing terrorists from the town.

He said many more of the assailants also died as the air force patrol went after the fleeing ones, adding that pursuit is still ongoing while calm has been restored and troops maintain firm control of Bama town.

The military spokesperson added that a Hilux vehicle as well as other equipment and some weapons were captured from the attackers.

"One soldier died while seven were wounded while repelling the attack. They have been evacuated from the combat area by air and are already receiving medical attention," he said.

In the past few weeks, Boko Haram camps in the northern parts of the states close to the borders with neighboring countries have been under intense pressure from Nigerian troops in cooperation with troops from the Multinational Joint Task Force. Endi