89 gunmen killed, 5 hostages rescued in Nigerian military operation

A total of 89 gunmen were killed in an anti-terror operation by troops in Nigeria's northwestern state of Zamfara, said a military spokesman on Saturday.

Five hostages, including three females and two males, were rescued during the operation in Zurmi local government area of the state on Friday, John Enenche, the spokesman for the military, confirmed in a statement available to Xinhua.

A large cache of arms and ammunition were recovered by the ground troops who were supported by two helicopter gunships of the Nigerian Air Force.

According to Enenche, there was no loss of troops or equipment on the side of the military. The gunmen's camps were also thoroughly cleared by troops during the operation.

The military spokesman said an arrangement was underway to reunite the hostages with their families.

"Additionally, 322 rustled cows, 77 motorcycles, and some nine cell phones were recovered from the gunmen," he added.