MAIDUGURI, Nigeria

Authorities announced on Wednesday the rescue of 100 people, including nursing mothers, who were kidnapped in a village in northeast Zamfara State last month.

"Zamfara State Police in collaboration with the State Ministry for Security and Home Affairs has successfully secured the unconditional release of 100 kidnapped victims," said police spokesman Mohammed Shehu.

More than 100 residents, mostly nursing mothers and children, were abducted on June 8 by suspected assailants from Manawa, Maru Local Government of Zamfara State.

Attacks and mass abductions have been on the rise in the northwest region, promoting a special military operation.

Suspected armed groups shot down a military fighter jet last Sunday shortly after successful clearance of their locations and hideouts in the forest with an air force pilot rescued by ground troops.