The combined forces of the Nigerian Army and the community residents of Gumsuri village of Borno state have killed at least 13 members of Boko Haram, following the insurgents’ onslaught on the town.
An eyewitness told BBC Hausa that the insurgents were killed after a fierce battle with the army, the residents and the support from the neighbouring vigilante group on Saturday evening.
“They (insurgents) arrived at around 4:30pm. They had a fierce battle with the military personnel. The army supported us, with the help of some community youth. 13 of the insurgents were killed and 13 guns were seized from them,” he said.
He said two of the community members have lost their lives in the battle.
The eyewitness, whose name was withheld for security reasons, said the insurgents had set the major part of the village ablaze and carted away some properties, but were later recovered.
Spokesperson of the Nigerian army, Sani Usman KukaSheka has confirmed the death of 10 insurgents from the encounter.
Mr Kuka Sheka, a colonel, also refuted the death of any military personnel or civilian from the attack.
It was reported last week that the insurgents were pushing to enter villages around the area in search of food.
