Boko Haram insurgents recorded many casualties when soldiers engaged them in Bulabulin Ngaura village of Damboa LGA of Borno State, it has been reported.

It was not clear how many of the insurgents were killed but a competent source said a large number of them died in the fighting that took place between 5pm and 10pm on Monday.

“I cannot tell you precisely how many were killed but they suffered heavy casualties…we killed many of them and others escaped with injuries,” a military source said but did not include the military casualty.

Bulabulin, a deserted village, situated 58 kilometres from Maiduguri along Damboa road, was once occupied by Boko Haram insurgents who had rounds of fierce battle with troops between June and July this year, leading to a tactical withdraw of soldiers from the area for some time.

In the second week of August, the military re-took Bulabulin alongside Damboa town which was also once under Boko Haram occupation.

“We have secured both Damboa and Bulabulin but they came back yesterday to attack us. I am pleased to inform you that the fighting was fierce but they were repelled. They suffered heavy losses,” he said.

He added that following increased pressure around the Damboa-Bama-Gwoza axis, the insurgents are making frantic efforts to create escape routes around Gulani and Gujba axis in Yobe State through Damboa and Bulabulin in Borno State.

•Adapted from a Daily Trust report. Photo shows combat-ready Nigerian troops on patrol in the troubled North-East.