Forest operation in Nigeria: 21 gang members neutralized

In a written statement, the Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs for Katsina State in Nigeria, Nasiru Muazu, stated that an operation was carried out against armed gang members in the Shawu forest in the Faskari region of the state within the scope of the "Forest Sanity III" Operation carried out in the country.

Muazu stated that 21 armed gang members were killed in the operation and that many gang members escaped injured.

Muazu shared information that 40 motorcycles and important ammunition belonging to armed gang members were also seized.

TERRORIST ACTIVITIES IN NIGERIA

Nigeria has long faced attacks from armed gangs in various parts of the country, as well as terrorist groups Boko Haram and ISWAP, the West African affiliate of ISIS.

Although the penalty for kidnapping in the country is the death penalty, kidnapping for ransom is common.

Gunmen usually target villages, schools and travellers in the north of the country, demanding ransom.