At least 18 persons have been killed in Sunday’s attack in in Benisheik, 72 kilometers (45 miles) west of Maiduguri, residents said.
Those killed include 13 vigilantes and five Boko Haram members.
The attack is coming days after the military said it killed at least 50 insurgents in an area to the north.
Zannah Fannami, an injured operative with the Civilian Joint Task Force, said they were attacked while awaiting Boko Haram’s approach on the town. He said the vigilante group was able to kill five of the suspected Islamic sect members. Another Civilian-JTF operative Muhammed Abuwar said the military didn’t assist the vigilantes and 18 others were injured.
Meanwhile, the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army said it had successfully repelled an attack by suspected Boko Haram terrorists in some villages in Damboa and Nganzai Local Government Areas of Borno.
This is contained in a statement, signed by the Spokesman of the Division, Lt.-Col. Sagir Musa, in Maidugiri on Saturday.
“Our troops have successfully repelled an attack by Boko Haram terrorists in Bulabulin Ngabura village and Gajiram town in Damboa LGA.
“They had also repelled attacks in Nganzai Local Government Area by the terrorists last week.’’
He said that the army was alerted, following the invasion of the villages by the terrorists.
“Our troops supported by a combat helicopter, trailed the terrorists to their camps and destroyed their hide-outs.
“About 50 terrorists lost their lives in the ensuring gun battle.
“Suspected terrorists had stormed Gajiram and Ngabura communities in Nganzai LGA and Bulabulin Ngabura in Damboa LGA, killing about 15 persons last week before they were dislodged by the military.” Musa said.
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