By Rafiu Ajakaye

LAGOS, Nigeria

No fewer than 73 people have been freed from Boko Haram captivity in Nigeria's northeast Borno state as troops intensified operations in the region, an army spokesman said on Monday.

Texas Chukwu, the army spokesman for the counterinsurgency operation, said in a statement the captives were freed in two different operations in Sirdawala and Valley of Gwoza local government area of Borno state.

Chukwu said seven militants were also killed in the operations.

“Regrettably an officer sustained injury during the operation and is receiving treatment in a military […],” he added.