Lagos, Nigeria (CNN)-- The Nigerian military acknowledged Sunday ... A local official said he saw at least 10 villagers' bodies among the casualties. The task force released a statement Saturday ...

The latest killings add to a growing toll of civilian casualties in Niger, where communities remain vulnerable to the persistent threat of extremist violence.

The Niger State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Kuma Tsukwam, spoke to PUNCH on Monday and pointed out that his men were able to nip the explosion and prevent human casualties.