Nigeria military kills 20 suspected Boko Haram militants in overnight raid

MAIDUGURI, NIGERIA, Aug. 13 (Xinhua) -- Nigeria's military troop operating in northeast Borno State on Sunday announced that 20 suspected Boko Haram members were killed during an overnight raid in the city of Maiduguri, the state capital.

State commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Col. Victor Ebhaleme disclosed the information to reporters, saying a soldier was killed during a gun duel with the Boko Haram militia.

"Two other soldiers were also wounded in the gun battle with the suspected terrorists," he said.

According to Ebhaleme, the confrontation was propelled following an intelligence report that the Boko Haram sect were holding a meeting somewhere in the metropolis to probably launch further attacks in the state.

"While we approached the venue of their meeting, the Boko Haram sect opened fire on the JTF and this eventually led to the killing of 20 of their members," added the JTF commander.

On July 31, the JTF in Borno State had killed two suspected terrorists in Monguno area of the state and also intercepted large quantities of arms from the suspects during an operation.

Eight rocket launchers, 10 rocket bombs, 10 rocket chargers, two AK-47 rifles and 13 magazines were among firearms concealed in a blue Toyota Hilux vehicle by the suspected terrorist heading toward Maiduguri when the military intercepted them. Enditem

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