Terrorists backed by armed drones raided an army base in Nigeria's northeastern Borno state, killing several troops in the early hours of Thursday, the military said, in the second assault reported there this week.

The use of drones by Daesh terrorists in recent attacks has marked a significant escalation in the violence in the region, military spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Sani Uba said.

The terrorists struck the Sabon Gari base before dawn, storming the perimeter and briefly breaching part of the facility, Uba said.

While they were fighting, their drone bombardment destroyed several military vehicles, including an excavator and a low-bed trailer, he added.

Army regains control

The army regained control after reinforcements arrived, repelled the attack and were pursuing the terrorists, Uba said.

Some soldiers and Civilian Joint Task Force members "paid the supreme price," he said, without giving details on the numbers.

Two security sources told Reuters at least nine soldiers and two task force members were killed, with around 16 others wounded.

Nigeria's military has pushed deeper into terrorist-infested areas in the northeast this year as part of a renewed offensive against terrorist groups.

In Borno, Boko Haram and Daesh terrorists have intensified attacks on military convoys and civilians in recent years, but the government says it has ramped up counter-terrorism efforts.