Nigeria’s military says it has killed 89 bandits responsible for a series of attacks against civilians in the country’s north-western Zamfara state.
The operation was supported by troops from neighbouring Niger and led to the recovery of assault rifles and hundreds of stolen cattle, spokesman Major-General John Enenchie said.
He also said five people who had been kidnapped were rescued.
The Nigerian military said that the hostages and cattle were due to be formally handed over and tweeted photos of some of the recovered items.
Zamfara, which is bordered by Niger to the north, has long faced problems with armed groups stealing cattle, kidnapping for ransom and attacking communities, which has in turn prompted some local people to form vigilante gangs.
Over the last five years, it and and parts of neighbouring Kaduna state have witnessed frequent raids by the criminal gangs.
Large swathes of northern Nigeria - mainly in the north-east - have also suffered from a decade long jihadist conflict.
Latest Stories
-
The love I’ve received is breathtaking – Kuami Eugene shares health update
7 mins -
Government targets $100m private capital to complete Saglemi Housing Project
24 mins -
Anti-LGBTQI+ Bill will bring economic disaster to Ghana if signed into law – Prof. Diamond
36 mins -
Akufo-Addo, Bagbin impasse over Anti- LGBTQI+ Bill could harm economy – Franklin Cudjoe
40 mins -
Adamus accused of defying court-directed Interim Management Committee
55 mins -
NPP running mate saga: Frontrunners will be disappointed – John Boadu
1 hour -
Calls for ECG-PURC truce intensify as ‘dumsor’ worsens
1 hour -
Unstable exchange rate affects claims payment – Ghana Insurers Association
1 hour -
Bank of Africa Ghana donates to Chief Imam, hosts Moroccan community to mark Ramadan activities
2 hours -
We’re winning 2024 polls hands down – PNC declares
2 hours -
Zen Petroleum opens 50th fuel retail station
2 hours -
Dumsor contributed to NPP’s 2016 victory – Prof Agyeman-Duah
2 hours -
Police link prominent SA businessman to rapper AKA’s murder
2 hours -
Richard Sky’s case must also be thrown out – Sam George
2 hours -
John Kumah’s one-week observance comes off today
2 hours