Unknown gunmen suspected to be local bandits have kidnapped two soldiers from the Nigerian Army in Borno.

Tribune reported that the abduction took place along the Maiduguri-Damaturu highway in Goni Masari area of the state.

When contacted, a top military source who craved anonymity confirmed the incident.

According to the source, the soldiers were ambushed by the bandits while travelling to Kano in a commercial vehicle on Saturday.

After the news of their abduction filtered in, soldiers from the 134 special forces battalion were mobilised to the area with a directive to rescue the victims, which also included civilians.

To aid its investigation, the Nigerian Army has reportedly arrested the driver and further impounded the vehicle that conveyed the soldiers before their abduction.