Death toll in Boko Haram attack on Nigerian town stands at 150

BAGA, Nigeria, Jan. 13 (UPI) -- The Boko Haram terrorist attack on the town of Baga, Nigeria, last week killed about 150 people, according to the Nigerian Ministry of Defense.

The death toll includes "many of the terrorists." Earlier estimates by local officials put the number of people slain at as many as 2,000.

Boko Haram militants attacked the strategic town of Baga in northeastern Nigeria on Jan. 7. The town was devastated.

The high death tolls were "exaggerated," ministry officials said, but Nigerian officials have previously been accused of underestimating deaths to downplay the terrorist group's threat.

The ministry said the army is working to restore law and order, but gave little details as to how that will be accomplished.

The attack occurred soon after Boko Haram captured a military base in Baga.

Dozens were killed recently in Nigeria after back-to-back suicide bombings were carried out by girls who were estimated to be 10 years old.