The Nigerian military says that suspected members of a radical sect, Boko Haram have shot two soldiers to death and injured another manning a checkpoint in northeast Nigeria.

According to Brig. Gen. Ibrahim Ndaliman, the shooting happened on Sunday morning in the rural village of Biu, south of Maiduguri the capital of Borno.

Brig. Gen Ndaliman adds that two members of the Boko Haram sect opened fire on the soldiers from a motorcycle.

The Army chief also says that the soldier died after leaving his post protecting a Christian church in Maiduguri.