Niger forces killed 260 Boko Haram militants since Feb 6: Spokesman

Niamey: Security forces in Niger have killed 260 Boko Haram militants since the group began cross-border attacks on Niger`s southeastern Diffa region on Feb. 6, a spokesman for the armed forces said on Thursday.

Colonel Moustapha Michel Ledru said a number of fighters had been arrested and some weapons seized, without giving details.

Boko Haram has launched a series of attacks but Ledru said the situation was under control. "We have taken the steps necessary to guarantee the peace and security of the population. We call on people not to panic," he said.