ABUJA, Sept. 27 (Xinhua) -- In a recent operation in the country's northern state of Kaduna, Nigerian troops rescued at least seven people kidnapped by gunmen, an official said on Tuesday.

The troops combed forests between the Birnin-Gwari and Chikun local government areas of the state and had a fierce gunfight with some gunmen, during which many of them fled, leaving behind the captives in their custody, said Samuel Aruwan, the commissioner for internal security and home affairs in Kaduna.

The seven victims have been reunited with their families, he added.

Armed attacks have been a primary security threat in Nigeria's northern and central regions.