The Boko Haram Commander the news of whose death News Express broke minutes ago was a mercenary, the Nigerian military has hinted.

“Thousands of Euro currency was found on the body of a terrorist commander after troops successfully repelled a terrorist on Mafa towards the border. The terrorist who is also an Amir by status and believed to be of foreign descent, is among about 30 terrorist fighters who died in the encounter while many others fled with wounds,” Director of Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade, said in a statement in Abuja.

“The terrorists,” he said, “also lost a number of weapons and equipment, including the captured 13 rifles, a machine gun, rocket propelled grenade tubes and several other assorted ammunition. A Toyota Bufallo vehicle was also recovered from the terrorists. Two of their armoured vehicles were also destroyed in the battle.”

Olukolade disclosed that the only casualty on the side of own troops was a damaged equipment. “Mopping up operation is ongoing in the general area,” he said, adding: “The offensive on all terrorists hideouts is continuing in many fronts.”

•Photo shows Nigerian troops turning the heat on Boko Haram insurgents.