In Nigeria, the military administrator of Lagos state has made a strong public defence of the special military taskforce, known as Operation Sweep, which was set up to fight crime in the city.

This follows a number of controversial shooting incidents recently involving force members which have resulted in several deaths and condemnation in Nigerian newspapers.

The administrator, Colonel Mohammed Marwa, told a public rally of Operation Sweep personnel they should not be demoralised by criticism.

He also reminded Lagos residents that many members of the force had been killed during operations.