Nigerian troops on Thursday evening thwarted an attempt by Boko Haram to attack Gamboru Ngala in Borno State.
Soldiers overwhelmed the insurgents with superior firepower.
Military sources told PRNigeria that the terrorists advanced towards the town from various locations.
The troops, that had dominated the area based on intelligence, opened fire and killed a number of the sect members.
They recovered a gun truck, motorcycles and weapons.
The general area is being combed in search of terrorists in hiding.
Nigerian troops and Multinational forces are continuing Operation Tura TaKai Bango, the first major offensive of 2021.
