Security forces have struck a suspected terrorist route in Kebbi State, killing some of the operatives and seizing rifles, ammunition and motorcycles during a dawn raid.
The operation, involving the police and military, was carried out at about 6:05am on Monday at Gumki Forest in Kangiwa.
The Kebbi State Police Command said the forest is a known route for bandits and Lakurawa elements operating in the area.
According to the command, the joint team engaged the suspected terrorists during the clearance operation and neutralised some of them.
The security forces recovered a PKT rifle with 174 rounds of live ammunition and an AK-47 rifle with 14 rounds.
Four motorcycles, two mobile phones, military camouflage clothing, a pair of boots and charms were also recovered.
The police said the area remained calm after the operation, while further clearance activities were ongoing to flush out criminal elements from the forest.
The Commissioner of Police, Umar Hadejia, praised the operatives for their courage and commitment.
He said the command would continue to work with other security agencies on intelligence-led operations to tackle terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminality across the state.
Hadejia also appealed to residents to provide security agencies with credible information that could help prevent attacks and track criminal elements.