The report said the troops made contact with the terrorists around Dogon Daji in Dandi LGA of Kebbi on Sunday during an offensive operation.
The Nigerian military advised residents to remain vigilant throughout the festive period and avoid unnecessary exposure to security risks.
“Our mandate is to face criminals and criminality at whatever level,” the police said.
He described the security of lives and property as the primary duty of government at all levels.
Mr Ibrahim made the call while delivering the 22nd Professorial Inaugural Lecture of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna.
The military and vigilantes have rescued a retired army colonel from suspected kidnappers.
The Tertiary Education Trust Fund says it is set to develop a comprehensive security master plan to strengthen security at tertiary institutions nationwide.
“Rather than addressing criminal activity, people sometimes cover for offenders because of shared ethnicity,” he said.
The operation was launched as part of a renewed, intensified effort to combat insurgents, bandits and other criminal elements across Kaduna and its environs, the police said.
He praised the military, police and the SSS for recent deployments in Kwara.
