Nigerian soldiers killed at least 20 militants in Yobe state after stopping coordinated attacks on military bases this week.
Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters have stepped up assaults on soldiers and civilians amid Nigeria’s 16-year insurgency in the northeast.
Monday’s attacks killed at least 14 people, including 10 soldiers in Borno and Yobe states, according to local sources.
Military spokesman Sani Uba said troops repelled an ISWAP assault on a Goniri base late Monday into Tuesday.
“Over 20 militants were neutralised, including commander Abu Yusu, the Munzir of Dursula,” Uba said, noting some troops were injured.
A local resident said militants killed four soldiers, set fire to buildings, and destroyed vehicles during the attack.
The insurgency has killed over 40,000 and displaced around two million, according to the United Nations.
Last week, militants raided a base near Ngoshe in Gwoza district, killing seven soldiers and 11 civilians and abducting residents.
The United States has deployed troops to provide technical and training support to Nigerian forces combating militant groups.
The military says it will maintain pressure as attacks continue to destabilise communities in northeast Nigeria.
