At least 44 terrorists and four Nigerian soldiers died when brave troops battled Boko Haram fighters, turning their attempt to mission to a military base in Bulanbuli, near Damboa, Borno State, into a misadventure. The encounter by took place between 12am and 6am yesterday.

Nigerian troops were said to have launched an offensive after a soldier on sentry duty spotted a band of terrorists moving towards the military camp on foot and alerted his colleagues.

Director, Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade, confirmed the battle but was silent on the immediate circumstances that sparked it. He said in a statement issued yesterday in Abuja: “The capture of a number of terrorists believed to be the ringleaders of those operating around Alagarmo sparked off a major fighting on the outskirts of Bulanbuli, Borno State last night.

“Over 40 terrorists died in the encounter while four soldiers lost their lives and nine were wounded. More than 16 rifles and a substantial number of assorted calibres of ammunitions, Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) materials, SIM cards and electronic items have so far been recovered.

“Two of the terrorists were earlier arrested at a local market two days ago while trying to procure foodstuff while others were spying on the military base in the area. Others still being trailed include a terrorist medic who was on a mission to procure drugs for use by his colleagues.”

•Photo shows Nigerian troops on duty in Borno.