The Nigeria army says 77 Boko Haram members have surrendered themselves to troops of the 117 battalion in Borno state.

According to Sani Usman, army spokesman, 16 of the surrendered insurgents are women while 28 of them are girls.

“Seventy-seven Boko Haram terrorists have surrendered themselves to troops of 122 task force battalion. They comprised 17 men, 16 women, 16 male children and 28 female children,” Usman said in a statement.

“The surrendered terrorists have been moved to Yamteke by combined team of 26 task force brigade for preliminary investigation and screening.

He also disclosed that troops rescued 157 captives in operations to expel the insurgents from their hideout.

“The advancing troops linked up with their counterparts of 25 task force brigade at Gombori village and rescued 157 persons escaping from Boko Haram terrorists’ captivity. The rescued persons comprised 47 women, 91 children, and 19 men. They are currently undergoing preliminary investigation and thorough screening to also determine their status,” Usman said.