MAIDUGURI, Nigeria

The Nigerian military said Tuesday that troops neutralized 11 Boko Haram terrorists in two separate battles in volatile northeast Borno State.

Army spokesman Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu said in a statement that special forces on patrol and clearance operations during the weekend encountered terrorists at Ngoshe-Ashigashiya, a flashpoint of terror activities.

"The troops, who fiercely engaged and sustained heavy gun fire on the terrorists during the encounter neutralised five terrorists," he said.

Nwachukwu said terrorists were also intercepted while crossing a supply route along Auno - Jakana, about 35 kilometers (22 miles) from the state capital. He said terrorists were moving with trucks laden with petroleum, oil and lubricant.

Six died in an exchange of gunfire that followed the interception, he said.

Nwachukwu said an assault rifle, a magazine containing 13 rounds of fabricated 7.62mm, a bando XYlier of 44 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) and a bag containing 52 rounds of 7.62mm were recovered from at the scene.

Boko Haram, which seeks to carve a territory for itself in the vast northeast region, has claimed responsibility for terror attacks in the area.