A reported clash between the Nigerian army troops and members of the outlawed Boko Haram insurgents has left five Civilians dead Monguno, Borno State.

Residents of Monguno Local Government Area of the state said that attack by Boko Haram, occurred Monday night at about 10:25 p.m.

Witness said, the attack left five Civilians dead with several others injured during exchange of gunfire between troops and the insurgents.

“There have been several attempts by Boko Haram to take over Monguno since the beginning of this year. But last night’s attack was deadly.

“We do not know the number of soldiers or Boko Haram killed but stray bullets killed five civilians and injured many others. It was too bad. Most of us are just returning from hiding”, a Monguno resident said.

A military source within the theatre of war said the clash lasted throughout Monday night, saying the likely high casualty figure on both sides could not be ascertained as at the time of filing this report.

“We fought them throughout the night and managed to repel them. I am not in the position to speak on casualty but casualty figures are bound to come at the end of a battle like this”, he said.

Another source said the terrorist group had made several attempts to break into the town since January but managed to penetrate and attack Monday night through Kuya village.

But, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Yusuf Buratai, had said that the military had dealt decisively with the insurgents which he said were already “pushed away” from Northeastern Nigeria.