The Nigerian military said that it killed several suspected bandits and arrested three others following a series of security operations in Zamfara state.

The operations were carried out in a number of areas on November 21 and 22, the military said on Monday, and at least 10 guns and two motorcycles were recovered.

One of the bandits who had been arrested was described as a “mastermind” of a string of kidnappings of locals in Kwatarkwashi district in Bungudu area.

Meanwhile, three people who had been kidnapped were also rescued during a clearance operation at Sabon Tunga and Tamuske villages.

Banditry, kidnappings and other criminal activities have become rampant in some north, northwestern and central regions in Nigeria. Other states affected by banditry include Kaduna, Katsina, Niger and Sokoto states.

The security situation in these regions has resulted in the killings of thousands of people, the displacement of hundreds of thousands of others and the destruction of property of unknown value.

The military vowed to step up its security operations to ensure that criminals are brought to justice and peace is restored in the nation's volatile regions.

"The Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies will not relent until all enemies of the nation are neutralised and normalcy is restored to all troubled zones,” a statement issued by military spokesman Major General John Eneche said in part.

(With input from Defence Headquarters-Nigeria)