At least 23 people, including three children, were killed on Tuesday in three separate attacks blamed on terrorists and criminal gangs in northeastern and northwestern Nigeria, according to two security reports.

Suspected Boko Haram terrorists killed 11 people in a raid on a village in northeastern Borno state, while 12 others were killed in attacks on two villages in northwestern Zamfara state, according to two security reports prepared for the United Nations.

Suspected Boko Haram terrorists on several motorcycles attacked the Pubago community in Rumirgo district in Borno late on Tuesday, according to one of the reports.

Some residents were still missing, the report said, warning the toll could be higher.

Separate attacks

In separate attacks the same day, bandits raided Rumbuki and Nikai villages in Zamfara state's Bukkuyum district, another report said.

The attackers, on several motorcycles, raided Rumbuki, "killing nine people and injuring eight other residents", with several people missing, the report said.

They killed at least "three children" in the attack on Nikai village.

Bandits' increased alliance with terrorists has been a source of concern for authorities and analysts.

Military says committed to defeating terrorists and bandits

Boko Haram terrorists have, in recent times, heightened attacks on bases and communities in the northeast, resulting in civilian and military losses, including senior military commanders.

Bandits have continued to raid villages, killing residents, kidnapping for ransom and looting homes before burning them.

The Nigerian military says it remains committed in defeating both the terrorists and bandits.