The Nigerian army has freed at least 160 girls and women from the hands of Boko Haram, as it continued its advance on the Sambisa natural reserve, the last major stronghold of the terrorist group, an official said.

Nigerian armed forces spokesperson Col. Sani Usman was quoted by Efe news agency as saying that the forces released around 100 girls and 60 women, just two days after the army rescued 200 girls and 93 other women in the same area.

In total, the army has rescued 453 girls and women held captive in various Boko Haram camps located deep in the Sambisa forest, a natural reserve of 60,000 square km in northeastern Nigeria.

During the rescue operation, eight hostages were injured and one soldier was killed, although the exact details of the operation were yet to be revealed.

Apparently, none of the 293 girls and women rescued on Tuesday were among the Chibok schoolgirls who were kidnapped more than a year ago.