At least 50 militants linked to a radical Muslim sect were killed in clashes with the military in Nigeria's northern Damaturu town.

Four soldiers were also killed in the clashes but the radicals were dislodged from their key stronghold in the town which is also the capital of Gombe state, country's chief of army staff, General Azubuike Ihejirika said.

The militants were members of Boko Haram sect which wants to impose Islamic Sharia rule in the region, he said.

Tension has been rising in Africa's major oil producing nation as festive seasons of Christmas and New Year approach as the sect strikes hard during such seasons.

Boko Haram claims to be on a mission to install Islamic sharia rule in northern Nigeria and its principles abhor western education.

It has claimed responsibility for several bombings and shootings in the north and capital city of Abuja.

A suicide bomb attack by the group at the United Nations headquarters in July killed 26 persons.

Boko Haram's leader Muhammed Yusuf was killed in 2006 during an insurrection which claimed more than 800 lives.

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