7 hostages freed by troops in central Nigeria

Troops in central Nigeria have rescued seven kidnapped victims during a mop-up operation, the defense headquarters said on Sunday.

In a statement, John Enenche, the Nigerian defense spokesman, said the operation took place on Sunday in the country's Niger State.

The victims were abandoned by the gunmen after a tough gunfight with troops, Enenche said.

According to the defense spokesman, the victims had been held hostage in an unknown location within the central Nigerian state since March 27.

All the victims have been identified as natives of the Roro Village of the Shiroro local government area of the state.

"The victims would soon be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further necessary action," Eneche added.