Nigerian troops have engaged scores of Boko Haram fighters in a fire fight near the city of Bauchi, North-East Nigeria.

An AFP report said that soldiers supported by two fighter jets intercepted the terrorists who were in 20 pick-up trucks at Dungulbe village, seven kilometres from the city, and engaged them in fierce fighting.

A resident who fled to Bauchi said the terrorists arrived in Dungulbe village around 10:00 am and set up camp in preparation for an attack on Bauchi.

The terrorists were believed to have come through the town of Alkaleri. The gunmen in several vehicles attacked public buildings and security checkpoints.

Bauchi State police spokesman, Haruna Mohammed, was quoted to have said that gunmen also attacked some polling stations and destroyed ballot boxes in Bauchi on Sunday.

The attack came a day after Boko Haram attacked polling stations in Gombe and Yobe states, killing at least 23 people, including two officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

•Photo shows troops on the prowl for Boko Haram insurgents.