15 Boko Haram terrorists have been killed and 20 arrested in Niger close to the border with Nigeria, an official says.
The casualties were recorded and arrests made by the Nigerien Defence and Security Forces during battles that occurred between June 18 to 23 in the Diffa region.
According to Niger’s military spokesperson, Moustapha Ledru, he army destroyed an armoured vehicle, 26 motorbikes and two caches of food and fuel during the operation.
Another source stated that the Nigerien army had launched ground and air operations against the sect following an attack carried out in the Gueskerou area on June 17 which left 38 people dead.
No injuries were recorded on the part of the army, Ledru said while speaking on state radio.
Niger has suffered attacks from Boko Haram largely due to its expansive border with Nigeria and is currently part of a joint multinational force against the sect.