At least three soldiers were fatally shot while two others sustained gunshot injuries when troops of the Nigerian Army repelled separate attacks launched by suspected Boko Haram terrorists in the North-East.

The attacks occurred on February 5 in Borno and on Tuesday in Yobe, when terrorists tried to infiltrate Geidam town.

Army spokesman Mohammed Yerima Thursday said the insurgents attacked troops providing security for road construction workers along Goniri – Kafa Main Supply Routes (MSR).

Mr. Yerima, a brigadier-general, disclosed that scores of terrorists were eliminated during the encounter as troops destroyed several gun trucks belonging to the terrorists.

“The attack on the troops along the road construction site and the attempt to infiltrate Geidam town by the terrorists were swiftly and professionally cleared by the dogged Mobile Strike Teams (MSTs) and elements of 159 Task Force Battalion.”

“However, regrettably 3 gallant soldiers paid the supreme sacrifice while 2 others sustained injuries and are receiving treatment at our medical facility.” Mr. Yerima said.

The statement noted that the insurgents are on the run and desperate for food, drugs and logistics.

However, in another separate attack Tuesday, the army said members of the jihadist group in eight Gun Trucks, motor bikes and on foot attacked troops of 3 Battalion deployed in Rann, Kala Balge LGA of Borno State.

“The troops held their ground and instantly destroyed one Boko Haram terrorists gun truck.

“With swift air support during the attack, the terrorists lost initiative and had to scamper for safety due to heavy aerial bombardments while additional 4 BHTs gun trucks were completely destroyed as several of their members were killed while others fled with fatal gunshot wounds.” the army said.

Boko Haram terrorists have continued to launch attacks on several military formations across the North-East, leading to deaths of thousands of frontline soldiers and other security operatives over the years.

The onslaught of insurgency that has lasted over a decade, has ravaged most communities in the North-East, resulting in deaths of tens of thousands of civilians with over two million internally displaced persons.