Ebireri Kevwe, Abuja

Over 44 terrorists killed in Kerenoa, Borno State and its adjoining communities, following an encounter with the Nigerian military troops who repelled their attack on the communities during the weekend.

In a separate military operation, Nigerian troops flushed out terrorists from Balmo forest which stretches from Bauchi to Jigawa states, arresting many of the insurgents, including two foreign mercenaries.

In the Kerenoa incident, armed with IEDs and other high caliber weapons, a large number of terrorists had carried out a predawn attack on the communities but met with stiff resistance of the troops.

The director of defence information, Chris Olukolade, a major general, said during the operation, several of the insurgents were captured along with weapons and ammunition of various calibre.

In another encounter during a routine patrol around Banki and Miyanti in the state, military troops fought through an ambush laid by terrorists resulting in casualties on both sides.

Olukolade confirmed that altogether, a total of 6 soldiers were killed while those wounded are receiving treatment.

Similarly, troops have cleared and taken over Balmo forest in a military operation that lasted throughout the weekend.

Prior to the operation, Balmo forest stretching from Bauchi through Jigawa states with links to the fringes of Sambisa forest was used by terrorists as bases and hideouts for launching attacks.

Terrorists and armed gangs operating in the forests were completely rooted out while some were captured during the operation. Among those captured were two foreigners who are suspected to be mercenaries.

Also seized are several weapons and equipment including power generating sets, communication equipment, vehicles, motorcycles, foodstuff and kitchen utensils.