At least nine people were killed and several others injured after unidentified gunmen attacked a community in Nigeria's central Plateau State, local authorities said.

According to Nigerian media reports, the attackers stormed Mazat village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area and opened fire on residents during the night, causing multiple casualties.

Authorities said nine people were killed, while several others sustained injuries and were taken for medical treatment.

The Nigerian Army said security forces are continuing operations against armed criminal groups across Plateau State.

In a statement, the military said operations carried out in the Shere, Gwafan and Maza areas resulted in the arrest of 11 suspected armed gang members. The army did not state that the arrests were directly linked to the attack in Barkin Ladi.

Plateau State has witnessed repeated outbreaks of violence in recent years, driven by attacks by armed groups as well as longstanding disputes over land and grazing resources.

Security forces have intensified operations across the region, but armed attacks continue to pose a serious challenge in several parts of the state.

No group has claimed responsibility for the latest attack.(ILKHA)