The attempt by Boko Haram terrorists to gain a foothold in the Nganzai and Konduga local government areas of Borno State in Nigeria’s North-East has been frustrated after Nigerian troops pounded their camps, killing at least 50.

Spokesman of the newly created 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Sagir Musa, disclosed this yesterday in an interview with newsmen in the Borno State capital, Maiduguri.

He said the troops struck so as to end the menace of the terrorists, who had laid ambush in Gajiram, Headquarters of Nganzai LGA, and Bullabulin Ngaura of Konduga LGA, killing at least 20 people, among them Alhaji Mohammed Sani (alias A. Banje), an aide of Governor Kashim Shettima.

Nganzai is about 73 kilometres, while Bullabulin Ngawra is 45 kilometres away from Maiduguri. Both councils share borders with Boko Haram camps in Marte and Sambiza forests.

“Our troops have effectively repelled the Boko Haram coordinated attacks on Gajiram, Bullabulin Ngaura villages in Nganzai and Konduga council areas,” Sagir said.

“Troops pursued terrorist to their camps and destroyed the camps with support of air bombardment, 50 terrorists lost their lives in the encounter with the troops,” he further said.

Sagir declared that the villages have been rescued from Boko Haram, adding that troops are pursuing and blocking the remnants of the fleeing terrorists from their exit roots.

•Photo: Nigerian troops on duty in Borno.