The Nigerian Army said on Thursday that 22 armed bandits were killed during a gun duel between troops of the 232 Battalion, Zuru and bandits in Zamfara State.
An army officer and a soldier also died during the clash.
The Army Director of Public Relations, Brig. Gen. Texas Chukwu, said in a statement that the remains of the dead officer and soldier have been evacuated to the Federal Medical Centre in Gusau.
He said: “Troops of 232 Battalion Zuru while on clearance patrol on Wednesday, 4 April 2018, encountered armed bandits and neutralize 21 at Tunga Daji in Anka local government area of Zamfara State.
“During the fierce battle many bandits escaped with gunshot wounds to the top of high ground close to the area. Weapons recovered are – five AK 47 assault rifles, one Light machine gun, five magazines of AK 47 rifle and 35 rounds of 7,62mm special ammunition.
“Unfortunately we lost an officer and a soldier during the encounter. The remains of the officer and soldier have been evacuated to Federal Medical Center in Gusau.
“Similarly troops deployed at Bena acted on a tip off and conducted raid operation at bandits Camp in Laka Village of Kebbi State and killed one of the bandit and recovered one AK 47 rifle with a magazine.
“Troops have been mobilized on special operation to comb the general area and arrest any fleeing bandit.”