ABUJA, July 18 (Xinhua) -- At least five extremist militants were killed in recent anti-terror operations by Nigerian defense forces in the country's north region, defense authorities said on Monday.
A cache of arms and ammunition belonging to the militants was also recovered during the separate operations held between July 15 and 17 in the northern states of Benue and Katsina, said Bernard Onyeuko, the spokesman for the military, in a statement.
Onyeuko said three militants were killed and several others escaped with gunshot wounds following a raid at the Sankera ward of Ukum local government area of the north-central state of Benue on July 15.
According to him, the raid was conducted based on credible intelligence. He explained that the militants engaged the troops in a fierce battle but were overpowered by the superior firepower of the troops, adding the troops also recovered 18 motorcycles used by the militants.
Two militants were killed in a separate operation at the Falalen-Jaja village in the Jibia local government area of the northwestern state of Katsina on Sunday, Onyeuko added.
Armed attacks have been a primary security threat in Nigeria's northern and central regions, leading to deaths and kidnappings in recent months. ■