At least Six Boko Haram fighters were killed by Nigerian troops in a gunfight, as they attempted to take over a military base in the northeastern state of Borno, defense sources said on Sunday.

The troops engaged the Boko Haram militants in a gunfight, as they targeted the military base in Gwon town of Mafa local government area, located around 10 km north of Maiduguri, the state capital, a senior defense official who preferred anonymity told Xinhua.

The gunfight lasted for about three hours, causing more militants to escape with bullet wounds, said the source.

Another source said the militants stormed the military base with four gun trucks and motorcycles. In their attempt to gain entry into base, they destroyed two gates leading to the military formation.

Following the repelled attack, troops have intensified search for Boko Haram militants in the locality, added the source.

The Nigerian military is yet to officially confirm the development.