By Rafiu Ajakaye

LAGOS, Nigeria

At least three soldiers were killed and six others injured in a weekend encounter with Boko Haram militants in northeastern Nigeria, according to an army spokesman.

Lt. Col. Samuel Kingsley of the 7th Division of the Nigerian Army said in a statement on Sunday that the casualties occurred as government troops continued clearance operations of militants' hideouts around Sambisa forest.

The forest is home to the last stronghold of the militants in the Boko Haram heartland of Borno state.

"The remains of the three deceased soldiers have been evacuated while those injured are receiving medical treatment at a military hospital," according to Samuel, who said dozens of militants also died in the encounter.

Militants' hideouts that were cleared included Talala, Ajigin, Mangzum, Abagajiri, Kafa, Dusula, Buk, Malumti, Abulam, Shyadawe-Angwan-Fulani, Shyadawe-Angwan-Bula-Musa, Shyadawe among others, he said.

The troops also recovered items including motorcycles, gun trucks, a laptop and an unserviceable tank.