A notorious top terrorist commander, Abu Mojahid, was among the terrorists that died in their encounter with troops on the outskirts of Alagarno on Tuesday morning.

The terrorists had staged attack on troops who were on patrol of the area.

Director of Defence Information, Major-General Chris Olukolade, said a number of the terrorists died as the troops repelled the attack, while some rocket propelled grenades, as well as vehicle mounted anti-aircraft guns, were either captured or destroyed in the encounter.

Olukolade noted that the military operations were continuing in the form of offensive action on identified terrorists in some forest locations.

He said aggressive patrols, mopping up, as well as cordon and search, were also continuing in the other locations in search for weapons and terrorists.

The defence spokesman added that improvised explosive devices planted by the terrorists to deter the comprehensive offensive by the advancing troops were also being carefully cleared, as troops continued to pursue fleeing terrrorists.