Nigerian military reports that 76 Islamist extremists were slain in Borno state

Nigerian troops have killed 76 Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in the country’s northeastern Borno state in recent weeks, a spokesperson said on Thursday.

The terrorists are thought to be part of Boko Haram and its offshoot, ISWAP. They have been carrying out a violent attack in northeast Nigeria since 2009, which has forced millions to leave their homes and has caused thousands of deaths, especially in Borno state.

The militants have stepped up strikes in Borno since the turn of the year, including an assault on Dumba community on Sunday where at least 40 farmers were killed.

Military spokesperson Major-General Edward Buba said troops killed 24 fighters during offensive actions in Damboa, Bama, and Chibok areas of Borno between Jan. 7 and 13.

He didn’t give any information about the number of soldiers hurt or killed during the missions.
Troops arrested 72 suspects and freed eight hostages during the missions, he said in a statement.

Buba announced that they found weapons and ammo, such as AK-47 rifles, grenades, rocket-propelled grenades, and homemade explosive devices, during the missions.