By Rafiu Ajakaye

LAGOS, Nigeria

The Nigerian army said on Monday it had rescued another 400 hostages from Boko Haram hideouts in the country's northeast as troops intensified clearance operations across areas reportedly still inhabited by militants.

Army spokesman Col. Sani Usman said in a statement that at least three militants were killed while nine were captured in the operations in northeastern Borno State.

“The troops also recovered 300 herds of cattle rustled by the Boko Haram terrorists from Fulani herdsmen and handed over to the right rightful owners,” said Usman.

Sunday’s rescue of 400 people brings to around 1,400 the number of hostages freed in the last month alone by the military, according to official figures released on Sunday by commander of the operation Maj. Gen. Lucky Irabor.