Speculations that Boko Haram terrorists under intense military fire in their North-East stronghold, might be relocating to other parts of the country started to have a ring of truth yesterday when suspected Boko Haram fighters launched a surprise attack on troops in the north-central state of Kogi, which borders the Nigerian Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja.

Security sources said the showdown, which took place in Okene town in the early hours of yesterday morning, left casualties on both sides.

“It is true that our troops came under suspected Boko Haram terrorists attack in Okene, while on cordon and search operations,” a top-level security source told News Express last night. “No fewer than two of the attackers were killed. Some weapons were recovered. A soldier lost his life, too,” the source said.

News Express reports that the Nigerian military has intensified efforts to meet the December 2015 deadline given by the Commander-in-Chief, President Muhammadu Buhari, for the defeat of Boko Haram.

•Photo shows Nigerian troops on duty against Boko Haram in the country’s North-East.