All those seized were Nigerian nationals, with arrests carried out across Italy. The suspects face almost 100 charges, including mafia association, drug trafficking, illegal immigration, prostitution and internet fraud, police said.

Gumi, a Kaduna-based Islamic preacher who had consistently called for negotiations with bandits stated that Pantami was not sympathetic towards terrorists

Some claim the move by the NBC is a confirmation of the marginalisation against the South-East part of the country.

About five similar attacks, including the one at the police headquarters and the prisons headquarters in the state, have taken place before now.

The insurgents invaded the towns, shooting sporadically as residents flee into the mountains for safety.

The gunmen were said to have invaded the villages around 2:30pm.

Helicopters had been deployed in the state to provide surveillance as part of security efforts to prevent further attacks in the state.

Bello said the terrorists were trying to turn Niger into another Borno State, which has been their base for some time.

The RSM’s body was found swollen in the bush close to the military camp during a search team.

The students were among those that were abducted by bandits from the private university located along the Kaduna- Abuja highway on Tuesday night.