Nigeria, Oct. 13 -- At least 45 individuals were killed in reported violent attacks across Nigeria last week while 13 others were abducted.

The Nigerian Army said 39 of those killed were bandits terrorising the country. This successful campaign against bandits is a departure from the situation the previous week when the military appeared to be at the receiving end as armed persons killed at least 38 soldiers.

Speaking on Thursday, Olusegun Adeniyi, who is the Theatre Commander of the army's Operation Lafiya Dole, said Boko Haram has never been a "formidable force" as they are perceived to be.

"The only thing that needs to be given to the army now is Nigeria Army Aviation," he said. "There is a way you solve a problem that will change t...