Not fewer than 17 suspected members of the dreaded Boko Haram terrorists were killed in the early hours of today by men of the Nigerian Army in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State in North-East Nigeria, a top military officer said.

The army officer, who does not want his name mentioned, told Channels Television that the sect members after attacking Azare of Hawul Local Government Area also in Borno State in a convoy proceeded to Biu and attempted to enter the Barracks located at the southern part of the town preparatory to taking over the town but their mission was cut short.

“The dreaded militants entered Biu and were proceeding to the Barracks as they always do to security formations while entering any town, but we intercepted them and 17 of them were killed instantly,” the source said.

The officer also disclosed that many of the terrorists’ vehicles were seized while some ammunitions and Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) were successfully detonated at the scene of the interception.

Residents confirmed that 17 bodies of the militants were deposited at the site of the interception while five Hilux vehicles belonging to the insurgents were seen at the site.

The residents hailed the security forces for their gallantry and prayed for the restoration of peace across the country.

The Chairman of neighbouring Hawul Local Government Council, Dr. Andrew Usman Malgwe, had confirmed to Channels Television that the insurgents came to Azare town around 5:30 a.m. and attacked the town burning the divisional police station in the Area.

Dr. Malgwe also revealed that the insurgents, after attacking Azare town proceeded to Biu through the Gombi highway but a combined team of soldiers and hunters blocked their entrance at the outskirt of the town.

In the meantime, normal activities have picked up after the failed attack on the Biu Plateau located some 180 kilometres south of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

Biu has an armour cantonment located south of the town along Yola road.

•File photo shows gallant Nigerian troops on duty against Boko Haram.