The operation in Nigeria’s north western state of Zamfra bordering on Niger also recovered five abductees captured for ransom by the bandits.

Nigerian military spokesman General John Enenchie says the five hostages and hundreds of cattle will be formally returned to families and owners.

He says a number of rifles were also taken from the rustlers.

Kidnapping and cattle rustling are a persistent problem in Zamfra and the neighboring state of Kaduna.

Locals have formed vigilante groups to beat off the bandits.

The area is plagued by attacks from Boko Haram jihadists who move freely across the border into Niger.

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28-year-old Faye Mooney died alongside a Nigerian man. They were shot by man who abducted three people

The charity Mercy Corps says it is utterly heartbroken at the killing of Faye Mooney who had worked for two year as a communications specialist for the organization committed to fighting  hate speech and violence.

Mooney was traveling from Lagos to Kaduna.

Her family call her an inspiration and have paid tribute to her courage and belief in a better society that took her to places others fear.

Police will not speculate on the motive for the killing.

Kidnappings are rampant in Nigeria where both locals and foreigners are taken, mainly for ransom.

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Two policemen were killed in the ambush laid by the kidnappers.

The kidnap victims were reportedly setting up solar stations.

They were travelling from Kaduna  to the capital Abuja.

Nigerian authorities say every possible means is being deployed  to free the abductees.

Kidnapping foreigners for ransom is common in Nigeria’s southern states.

Last October four British missionaries were seized in the oil-rich Delta state.

One was killed while the other three were later released.

In recent years the crime has spread across the country as the economy has stalled. A crackdown on cattle rustling has been blamed for rising numbers of abductions in the north.

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