India, March 8 -- Nigeria's military killed 45 militants in the country's northwest region, the Katsina state Government said on Saturday. The clashes between the military and the gunmen happened on Friday in the Danmusa area of Katsina, the state's Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Mua'zu, said in a statement. It followed a failed attempt by the gunmen to steal cattle on Thursday.

"Seeking revenge, the bandits returned in large numbers on March 6," Mua'zu said. "What followed was an intense and fierce battle. The army successfully neutralized all 45 bandits." Nigeria is battling a complex security crisis from different armed groups, especially in the north of the country. The United States has sent troops to the...