The offensive against criminal gangs, often referred to as bandits, has mainly taken place in Zamfara state in the northwestern part of the country. The operations were carried out after gangs attacked and abducted residents from several villages during Easter week.
Police have confirmed the kidnappings but have not given a number. Local reports suggest that around 150 people were abducted by armed gangs.
The military operation took place in the Tsafe region and lasted seven hours, with ground operations and air support, according to a Nigerian security report.
Tsafe is located 200 kilometers from the villages where the gangs struck.
The goal of the kidnappings is to obtain ransom payments; villages are often burned down after the attacks.
