At least 109 Boko Haram militants were killed by soldiers in response to attacks inside Niger, a town bordering Nigeria, Niger's Defence Minister said.
The minister, Karidjo Mahamadou, said in a statement released later on Friday that four soldiers were killed and 17 wounded from their side, in the towns of Bosso and Diffa. He said two soldiers were missing and a civilian was also killed on Friday, the Associated Press reported.
The incident comes close on the heels of another major episode on Wednesday where at least 200 Boko Haram militants and 9 Chadian soldiers were killed in clashes during a raid in neighbouring Nigeria.
The army of Niger has also received support from Chad, a country that has been gearing up to fight against Boko Haram. Both the countries have thousands of refugees who have fled Nigeria due to growing Boko Haram attacks.
While the deadly extremist group – whose name loosely translates to "Western education is a sin" - has threatened to carry out attacks on countries participating in military activities against it. Neighbouring countries to Nigeria are collaboratively working to fight the outfit.
Earlier this week, Chadian forces had acquired a key victory over the border town of Gamboru within hours of launching a ground offensive against the notorious jihadist group.
About 2,000 Chadian troops had crossed the border from Cameroon's Fotakol town, following days of clashes with militants.
Dozens of houses were destroyed, while shops were gutted and vehicles torched during that time. Residents and other fighters reportedly fled the bloody scene in the former stronghold of Boko Haram.
