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The Katsina State commissioner for internal security and home affairs, Nasir Mua'zu, said the killing was a significant milestone in the fight against banditry in the state.

At first, Lakurawa members promised to tackle banditry and help protect local people from cattle thieves.

The BBC has learnt that Hamas - sensing an opportunity to regain its faltering control - has reactivated a special security force to combat theft and banditry.

The officers had travelled to Kenya's North Rift region, which has been plagued by banditry.

Nearly two-thirds of its 213 million people live on less than $2 a day; extremist violence and banditry are rife; and life expectancy is just 53, nine years below the African average.