Nigerian forces kill 34 Islamic militants in northeastern part of the country

Nigerian government forces say they killed 34 Islamic militants in the northeastern province of Borno on the 8th local time.

According to local daily Vanguard, military spokesman Maj. Gen. Edward Bubba said in a statement that the military, which was returning to the unit in the village of Sabon Ghari, Borno, was ambushed by militants on the 4th, causing fierce fighting.

He explained that the militants were riding on motorcycles and trucks equipped with guns as part of Boko Haram and the Islamic State's West African branch (ISWAP).

He added that he successfully repelled their attacks along with pro-government militias, and that six soldiers were also killed in the process.

In northeastern Nigeria, Islamic extremist militant groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP have been resisting the government since 2009.

In the northwestern and central parts of the country, civilian attacks, kidnappings and killings by local armed groups called Bandits often took place.

On the 5th, armed members on motorcycles also attacked the town of Ghana in the northwestern province of Zampara, kidnapping at least 46 people, including women and children, Reuters said.

Most captives are released after paying the ransom, but they are still held or killed because they cannot pay the ransom.

The Nigerian government estimates that violence in Boko Haram and Bandit has killed more than 35,000 people and displaced more than 2 million people so far.