Soldiers of the Nigerian Army have killed 40 members of Boko Haram in Borno State.

The troops also freed 85 captives, comprising women and children, who were held by the sect.

This was disclosed via a statement released by Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman on Sunday, November 6.

The statement reads:

“The manoeuvring brigade led by 3 battalion of  22 brigade, successfully cleared Geram, Bulankassa and Chukungudu believed to be the Boko Haram terrorists strongholds in that area.”

“The gallant troops rescued 85 people, comprising of mostly women and children held hostage by insurgents.

“The troops recovered four rounds of Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) bombs, one Double Barrel Gun, 349  packets containing various rounds of ammunition, three magazines, a link belt of machine gun ammunition and one AK-47 rifle magazine.

“In the factory, they found several already primed suicide bombers’ vests. They also discovered a well-equipped motor vehicles and motorcycles’ workshop and spare parts warehouse at Chukungudu village.

“The troops recovered three vehicles and several newly acquired motorcycles. Unfortunately, a soldier died during the encounter.”

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According to Usman, the captives were rescued between November 4 and November 5, 2016.