Forty-two Boko Haram fighters, including 15 Chadians, died when the military repelled insurgents in Biu, Borno, on Tuesday, Mr Mike Omeri, Coordinator, National Information Centre, said on Thursday.
Omeri made the fact known in an update on military operations in the Northeast, adding that five of the insurgents were captured by troops while they attempted to flee the town.
He said security agencies, led by the Department of State Services (DSS), would interrogate the captured insurgents to determine their involvement in other atrocities.
“Those found to have conducted any crime against the state will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law in accordance with international standard and best practice,’’ he said.
Omeri said the recent rise in suicide bombings by the terrorists was an indication that they were already running out of options.
“The government is fully committed to ensuring that all militants are rooted out of their hiding places to ensure a safe and secure country for all Nigerians,’’ he said.