Nigerian military: Air bombardment, ground attack on terrorist camps kill 74 insurgents

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria – Nigeria’s military says an air bombardment and ground assault have destroyed two “terrorist camps” and killed 74 insurgents in an ongoing campaign against an Islamic uprising in the country’s northeast.

Spokesman Lt. Col. Muhammad Dole said Friday that two soldiers and several insurgents also were wounded in the joint army and air force attack Thursday on two extremist hideouts in Borno state.

Also Friday in neighbouring Yobe state, suspected Islamic extremists besieged the capital, Damaturu, and the military declared a 24-hour curfew that kept fearful residents at home behind locked doors.

A police officer said the attack began around 6 p.m. Thursday on a police anti-terrorist squad residence and moved to the mobile police base and police commander’s office, which both were razed. He spoke on condition of anonymity.