Nigerian troops operating in northeast Borno State said on Saturday that 65 rebels had been apprehended so far by officers of the Special Task Force (STF).

Spokesperson for the defense headquarters Brig.-Gen. Chris Olukolade, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja, saying the rebels were caught while attempting to infiltrate Maiduguri as they fled their various camps now under attack.

The statement said the arrest was a continuation mission aimed at ridding the nation's insurgent activities.

According to the statement, a total of 11 vehicles, four tricycles and 24 GSM handsets were also seized in the process.

"All the suspects are in custody of the Joint Task Force and are currently being interrogated," the military statement said.

The statement added that most of the rebels' camps were found to have been deserted by fleeing insurgents when STF troops stormed their occupied localities.

The facilities have now been occupied by our troops, it said.

The statement said further that, in another development, troops have engaged and dislodged elements of insurgent groups who carried out the May 7 attacks on citizens in localities such as Gamboru ward.

It said a total of 10 rebels were confirmed dead during the operation while weapons such as rocket-propelled grenade launchers, assorted ammunition and rifle magazines were recovered.

The statement also said some of the fleeing insurgents from various camps have been noted to be in search of fuel from neighboring communities.

The statement said the Defense Headquarters had further enjoined the troops to sustain the intensity of the operations.