Buhari calls for patience to tackle Nigerian bandits

Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari has urged for patience in the military's fight against bandits in north-western states.

Last week in Katsina state 150 gunmen on motorcycles opened fire on residents, looting shops and stealing cattle in the village of Kadisau.

In a statement tweeted by his spokesperson, President Buhari said he had approved a joint military and police operation to fight the bandits in the states of Niger, Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara and Sokoto.

"President Buhari appeals to the people of Katsina state to be patient and supportive of the ongoing military operations in the state, while sympathising with those who are bereaved, injured and lost properties," said president's spokesperson Garba Shehu.

Last month, Nigeria's military said it had launched air strikes to halt a number of attacks.