An attack by Boko Haram on parts of Bama was this morning quelled by Nigerian troops who dealt with them decisively, Defence Headquarters has announced. Boko Haram was recently driven out of Bama, Borno State, by Nigerian troops, who liberated the town.

Over a score of the terrorists died in the failed bid to retake the town while others fled with wounds, Director Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade, said in a statement issued this evening in Abuja.

“Many more of the attacking terrorists also died as the Air Force patrol went after the fleeing ones. Pursuit is still ongoing while calm has been restored and troops maintain firm control of Bama town,” Olukolade said, adding:

“A Hilux vehicle as well as other equipment and some weapons were captured from the attackers. One soldier died while 7 were wounded while repelling the attack. They have been evacuated from the combat area by air and are already receiving medical attention.

“With most of the towns slated to be cleared of terrorists already covered, the campaign to rid rest of the communities of them is continuing with air and land operations now stepped up in the remaining designated locations in the mission area. Cordon and search of cleared communities are also ongoing with some discoveries of weapons and vestiges of atrocities committed by the terrorists while they held sway in some locations.”

•Photo shows Nigerian troops on duty against Boko Haram.