"Consequently, the troops reacted swiftly with heavy firepower," said the statement, "forcing the terrorists to scamper for their dear lives, and recovered two gun-trucks mounted with anti-aircraft guns
The Nigerian Army says that following aggressive clearance operations, in recent days, its troops had recorded tremendous successes in the fight against terrorism and insurgency in the North East.
It said on Wednesday in a statement: "Dozens of Boko Haram terrorists and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters were annihilated, large cache of assorted arms, ammunition and so many variants of gun trucks and other fighting vehicles were captured.
"Additionally and most important, the operation resulted in the rescue and eventual liberation of over 100 women and children from the grip of the criminals and terrorists.
"Therefore, in order to consolidate on the numerous successes so far achieved, the rugged troops of 112 Task Force Battalion deployed at Mafa in Borno State had effectively dealt ruthlessly with members of BHTs/ISWAP terrorists in Mafa, Mafa Local Government Area of Borno State, when some terrorists attempted to attack Mafa on 24 June 2019."
It added that the terrorists' failed attack on Mafa was as a result of available intelligence indicating the "desperate longing for food and other logistics by terrorists" necessitated by the recent, "incredibly tireless and ferocious" troops' operational exploits.
During the failed attack, the army said the terrorists in five gun trucks and several motorcycles were seen.
"Consequently, the troops reacted swiftly with heavy firepower," said the statement, "forcing the terrorists to scamper for their dear lives, and recovered two gun-trucks mounted with anti-aircraft guns and a motorcycle and the extermination of three terrorists.
"There were indications that some of the insurgent members were wounded in an exchange of fire."
The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 7 Division and Commander Sector 1 Operation Lafiya Dole, Brigadier General Abdulmalik Bulama Biu, had since visited the conflict location with reinforcement.
While being conducted around the camp to assess the situation, the GOC urged the troops to remain focused and should not be carried away by the successes they had recorded.
He directed them to redouble their efforts and maintain the momentum until they win the war on terrorism for Nigeria through "total victory against the bandits".
Similarly, he assured them of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai's continued appreciation and support in the collective struggle to crush the insurgency.