The military authorities in the Nigerian city of Lagos say a task force set up to fight crime is being withdrawn from the central part of the city after controversial shooting incidents which resulted in several deaths.

The Lagos military administrator, Colonel Mohammed Marwa, said the military force called Operation Sweep was being withdrawn until, as he put, frayed nerves were sufficiently calmed to allow their return.

Members of the force will leave Lagos Island, which includes the city's historic centre and its business district.

Last week, Colonel Marwa made a strong public defence of the force, noting that many of its members had been killed duirng operations.