Nigeria: 97 suspected members of Islamist group arrested

The action took place last Sunday and led to the death of two police officers and the injury of three others in the capital.

Nigerian Police spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi made the information known in a statement published by local media on Tuesday.

The attack was carried out on the police checkpoint with stabbing weapons and improvised explosive devices. Three police patrol vehicles were also set on fire.

The Nigerian government recently reaffirmed its determination and commitment to tackling insecurity and pledged its full support to the armed forces fighting criminal gangs in the country.

In recent times, the army has neutralized more than 100 members of armed Islamist groups and released numerous hostages.

Islamist groups such as Boko Haram and its offshoot, the Islamic State of West Africa, are active in eastern Nigeria. Insecurity has spread to areas in the centre, north and northwest, raising concerns about the potential expansion of these terrorist and criminal networks.

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