Nigerian soldiers supported by local hunters have successfully repelled an attempt by Boko Haram insurgents to take over Biu, a popular town in troubled Borno State, North-East Nigeria.

A Channels Television report said the terrorists moved to Biu after carrying out an attack on Azare town, headquarters of Hawul Local Government Area, also in Borno State.

The chairman of Hawul LG council, Dr. Andrew Usman Malgwe, told Channels that the insurgents attacked around 5:50 a.m. and in the process set the divisional police station ablaze.

He also revealed that, following the attack on Azare, the terrorists proceeded to Biu town through Yimirshika, but a combined team of soldiers and hunters blocked their entrance few kilometres to the town. The LG Chairman disclosed that the attack on Biu has been thwarted.

Residents who spoke with Channels confirmed that normal activities are currently going on in Biu as the insurgents did not have access to the town.

Azare is 28 kilometres east of Biu, which is almost 180 kilometers south of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

•Photo shows Nigerian soldiers in action.