Fighting in Niger kills 5 soldiers, 30 Boko Haram militants

Niger’s defence ministry says at least five soldiers and 30 Boko Haram militants have been killed after an ambush by the Nigeria-based Islamic extremists led to fighting.

Niger’s defence ministry says at least five soldiers and 30 Boko Haram militants have been killed after an ambush by the Nigeria-based Islamic extremists led to fighting.

Nigerien soldiers patroling on a road between Diffa and Bosso. (AFP File Photo)

Col. Moustapha Michel Ledru said the attack on soldiers Monday near Toumour, about 65 kilometers (40 miles) northeast of the town of Diffa, also injured six soldiers.

He spoke Tuesday night on national television, saying the army captured two extremists along with a large quantity of arms and ammunition.

Ledru also said two soldiers were killed Sept. 8 when their vehicle hit an improvised explosive device during a patrol near Barwa locality in the Diffa region.

Boko Haram has been launching attacks across Nigeria’s borders into Niger, Chad and Cameroon, which contribute to a multinational force that seeks to counter it.