Boko Haram fighters killed in Nigeria

[iolsa]

Kano, Nigeria -

The Nigerian military has killed 40 Boko Haram fighters in the Bama, Gwoza and Pulka areas in Borno state, a statement from an army spokesman said on Tuesday.

The spokesman, Captain Aliyu Danja, said militants attacked the three areas on Sunday night and the military responded, killing the 40 men. Several others escaped with gunshot wounds, Danja said.

The state of emergency declared in Borno state in May and the suspension of telephone services makes it difficult to verify or get first-hand information from the area.

Reports typically arrive two or three days after events and quote either military statements or eyewitness accounts by people who escaped to other locations.

Insurgent leader Abu Shekau, who had been declared dead by military authorities, recently warned of more attacks on civilian populations.

A resident of Maiduguri told reporters that the Boko Haram now target the Kanuri and Beriberi people of the town who are co-operating with the government to reveal their hideouts.

The resident said the last raid was on Beni Sheik, located less than an hour from Maiduguri. Insurgents were active for than more four hours without hindrances from the joint task force or any other security forces, he said. - Sapa-dpa



Source: Boko Haram fighters killed in Nigeria