LAGOS, Nigeria

At least seven Boko Haram militants were killed late Friday in a shootout with the army and a local vigilante group.

Army spokesman Col. Sagir Musa said in a statement that troops and vigilantes on a joint patrol engaged the terrorists for hours in the Gulwa area of Borno State.

"Seven terrorists were killed, while several escaped with gunshot injuries and are being hunted by the troops," the statement said.

Musa said there were no casualties on the side of government forces, adding troops recovered seven weapons from the terrorists, including six AK-47s and one FN rifle.