Nigerian troops on Sunday battled scores of Boko Haram fighters outside the northeastern city of Bauchi, residents and a military source told AFP.

Soldiers supported by two fighter jets intercepted the militants who were in 20 pick-up trucks at Dungulbe village, seven kilometres (four miles) from the city.

"The fighter jets are pounding the enemy position while ground troops are engaging them," said a military officer in the city, who asked not to be identified, in an account supported by residents.