Soldiers kill 50 Islamist militants in Niger

The defence ministry of Niger says at least 50 Boko Haram militants have been killed in a clash with troops.

Officials said the Islamist militants had launched an attack, using 20 vehicles, on an army outpost at the south-eastern village of Toummour on Sunday night, but were repelled in a counter attack.

One soldier was wounded.

Troops pursued retreating Boko Haram fighters to the shores of Lake Chad, capturing several, along with vehicles and weapons.

The region has suffered repeated attacks by Boko Haram militants in the last five years.