Lagos, Jan 10

 Nigeria's troops in northeast state of Borno said Thursday that 38 Boko Haram suspects were killed after it successfully repelled an attack on Damboa community in by suspected Boko Haram fighters.

Spokesperson for the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army Muhammad Dole announced the development in a statement in Maiduguri, the restive state capital city, Xinhua reported.

The troops of 195 Battalion in Damboa Thursday successfully repelled Boko Haram terrorists' attack on residents and a military camp, the official said.

The insurgents attempted to launch attack on Damboa to cause havoc and mayhem, but due to timely information and gallantry displayed by the troops, the attack was repelled, he said. 

"We also inflicted heavy casualty on the terrorists. While the encounter lasted, 38 Boko Haram suspects were killed and some fled with various degrees of injuries."

"However, one soldier was killed and two others sustained injuries and are receiving medical attention," he added.

"The combined ground troops and Nigerian Air Force aircraft are tactically pursuing the fleeing terrorists in the ongoing operation in the general area of Damboa and surrounding villages," he said. 

By:IANS