The Nigerian government claimed to have killed some 200 Boko Haram militants, including a leading commander from the organisation, as they repelled an attack on a key town in the North-East of the country.
Nigerian government forces claimed to have successfully defended the town of Konduga, approximately 35km from Borno state-capital Maiduguri, which was under attack by the Boko Haram militants.
The latest clashes come after Boko Haram rapidly captured towns across Nigeria’s North-East in recent weeks, stretching territory under their control to over 320km.
Though the number of casualties are still unclear, the BBC said some 100 Boko Haram fighter were killed, while the Guardian put the number at 200. Government spokesman Mike Omeri told Reuters, "The attackers were repelled ... there were casualties on their side."
Maiduguri was reportedly “surrounded” by Boko Haram, according to the Borno Elders Forum, who appealed to the government for help to "fortify" the town.
"We are convinced that the Federal Government of Nigeria has not shown sufficient political will to fight Boko Haram and rescue us from the clutches of the insurgents which may ultimately lead to the total annihilation of the inhabitants of Borno," said the Borno Elders Forum.
Thousands have been forced from their homes in recent weeks during the violence, bringing the total number of displaced in the country to over 1.5 million.