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Nigerian troops free 63 hostages from Boko Haram camp

Xinhua, March 4, 2016 Adjust font size:

At least 63 people held hostage by armed group, Boko Haram, were freed during an military operation by troops in Nigeria's northeastern state of Borno, the army headquarters in Abuja said Friday.

Five members of the armed rebels were killed as troops cleared Boko Haram hideouts in Lawin, Meleri, Matiri Bulaka and Aljeri villages in the restive province, according to a statement signed by army spokesman, Col. Sani Kukasheka Usman.

Arms and ammunition belonging to Boko Haram were also recovered during the operation, the statement added.

The Nigerian government said it has "technically" defeated the ruthless Boko Haram group. Dozens of Boko Haram members were killed in military offensives and some top members of the group were arrested in recent raids.

Early this week, authorities in Nigeria said four men suspected to be spies for Boko Haram were arrested by troops.

Hundreds of people held hostage by Boko Haram have recently regained their freedom as troops continue to raid hideouts of the Boko Haram.

However, the terror group has spread its tentacles to neighboring countries including Cameroon, Chad and Niger. Endit