Boko Haram attack in NE Nigeria, death toll hits 48

The Nigerian terrorist group Boko Haram has been waging a deadly insurgency in Nigeria since 2009 intensifying attacks on military targets in recent months, contrary to the recent claims by the military that Boko Haram had been defeated.

The terrorists are reported to have overrun a military base in the northeast near the border with Niger. Zari is located 30km from the town of Damasak on the border with Niger.

The number of Nigerian soldiers killed in a Boko Haram attack in northeastern Nigeria has reached forty-eight, AFP news agency reports citing military sources.

So far (the) bodies of 48 troops have been recovered. Yesterday rescue teams found 17 bodies of fallen soldiers. When the troops were overwhelmed by the terrorists they withdrew in different directions, he said, adding that they included two officers and 46 soldiers.

The latest development means the toll has risen by more than half of the initial figure reported. “They came in large numbers in trucks and carrying heavy weapons and engaged soldiers in a battle that lasted for an hour,” a military officer said.