Nigerian troops kill 974 suspected gunmen in February

At least 974 suspected gunmen were killed by Nigerian troops in different military operations across the most populous African country in February, reported Xinhua, quoting the military on Thursday.

A total of 621 others were nabbed by the armed forces during the period, Edward Buba, the spokesman for the military, told reporters in the Nigerian capital of Abuja.

Buba said at least 466 hostages were freed by the troops, who also recovered 1,573 assorted weapons, 23,345 assorted arms and ammunition within the month.

In the northeastern part of the country alone, a total of 242 suspected terrorists, including three top commanders of the Islamic State West Africa Province, were killed by the troops, he added.