The Nigerian Army says it killed 50 terrorists during a gun battle in Borno while suicide bombers escaped.

According to the army, the troops of Operation Hadin Kai, on Wednesday, inflicted “heavy casualty” on Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists.

The army also claimed that more than 50 of the terrorists died in the encounter in Damboa.

The army’s spokesman, Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Yerima, in a statement, said the operation was carried out in conjunction with the air component of Operation Hadin Kai.

Mr Yerima explained that the terrorists launched an attack on the town “in multiple waves” with armoured personnel carriers and 12 gun trucks mounted with anti-aircraft guns, as well as locally fabricated armoured-plated vehicles loaded with explosives and motorcycles.

He added that the troops contained the attack, destroyed the vehicles, killing over 50 ISWAP terrorists.

“The so-called suicide bombers had to abandon their vehicles primed with explosives as they could not withstand the overwhelming firepower from the highly motivated troops.

“Several weapons and ammunition were recovered from the depleted terrorists. The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Maj.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, congratulated the troops, including the Air Component for this great achievement,” said the army.

The statement added, “The COAS restated the commitment of the Nigerian Army in his leadership to ending terrorism and other violent crimes in the North-East and the rest of the country.

“He further enjoined the troops to sustain the ongoing offensive under Operation Tura Takaibango until the noble goal is attained.”