The Nigerian military has said that it has killed at about 78 gunmen belonging to what it calls “criminal gangs” during an aerial attack of their hideouts in the north-west part of the country.
Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet said, many of them were killed as they tried to escape the air strikes on motorbikes.
In the past weeks, the Nigerian security forces have strengthened their operations against these armed networks of revolutionary criminals who were named: “unknown gunmen”.
Gangs on motorbikes terrorise the region, stealing animals, kidnapping for ransom, killing anyone who dares confront them and taxing farmers.
The gangs have abducted more than 1,000 students from schools and colleges since last December. About 300 of the schoolchildren are still in captivity.
The Nigerian authorities have faced criticisms for their failure to end the violence and ruthlessness which have also claimed thousands of lives in recent years.
On Thursday, Amnesty International asked for fair trials for anyone accused of violence.
