Soldiers of the Nigerian Army prepare to leave Maiduguri in a heavily armed convoy on the road to Damboa in Borno State northeast Nigeria on March 25, 2016

Nigerian troops on Friday thwarted an attempt by four suspected Boko Haram suicide bombers to attack the restive northeastern city of Maiduguri, hotbed of the Islamist group, an army spokesman said.

At about 4.00 am (0300 GMT) troops “received a tip off about an impending attack in Maiduguri city by four suspected Boko Haram terrorists suicide bombers,” army spokesman from Sambisa forest through cashew plantation,” Colonel Sani Usman said in a statement.

“The ever vigilant troops responded decisively by intercepting and neutralizing the suspected terrorists,” he added.

Three soldiers sustained injuries during the incident, while two unexploded explosives devices were safely detonated.

Usman said troops also arrested three suspected Boko Haram insurgents at Nwagafete village, near Maiduguri.

Boko Haram has increasingly used suicide bombers in its almost seven-year rebellion, seeking to carve out an Islamic state in northeast Nigeria.

An estimated 20,000 people have been killed and more than 2.6 million people have fled their homes since the start of the violence.

Related articles across the web

• Boko Haram's Shekau reappears 'looking dejected' in new video
• More than 800 Boko Haram hostages rescued in Nigeria
• Female Suicide Bombers Kill 22 In Nigeria
• Boko Haram leader reappears in new video, says "his end is near"
• Nigeria army: More than 800 Boko Haram hostages rescued
• 800 rescued from Boko Haram in Nigeria
• Boko Haram leader, Shekau reappears in new video
• Nigerian Army Frees 800 Boko Haram Hostages
• Boko Haram chief reappears, looks dejected in new video
• Officials: More Than 800 Boko Haram Hostages Rescued By Nigerian Army