About 73 terrorists, who disguised as cattle rearers were yesterday killed by troops of the 7 Division, Nigerian Army in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.

Konduga is about 40 kilometres from Maiduguri, the state capital.

The town has witnessed more than 20 different attacks by terrorists since last year but were all repelled. It is the only local government in Borno central that has not been taken over by Boko Haram.

The terrorists, who attempted to invade Konduga as herdsmen with many cattle, were sighted by troops at about 7am.

It was learnt that on getting near the town, they opened fire, targeting troops who were positioned at different locations taking cover.

“The troops immediately responded by engaging the terrorists, who came in large numbers, a situation that led to the killing of 73, while a soldier lost his life in the encounter,” a security said.

He added that the encounter lasted till 1pm before the troops were able to repel the attack.

He noted that during the encounter, a Golf Volkswagen car belonging to the insurgents, loaded with Improvised Explosives Devices (IEDs) were destroyed along with the occupants by the troops.

The Director, Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Chris Olukokade, confirmed the attack yesterday, but did not give casualty figures.

“Yes, it is true that troops killed many terrorists in a failed Konduga attack today (yesterday)," Olukolade said in a text message to journalists in Maiduguri.

•Adapted from a National Mirror report. Photo shows Olukolade.