More than 30 people were killed and several others kidnapped by "bandits" in Nigeria's central Niger state, police said on Sunday.

The bandits invaded Kasuwan Daji village in Kabe district and set a market ablaze, before looting shops for food.

"Over 30 victims lost their lives during the attack, some persons were also kidnapped," during the raid on Saturday, Wasiu Abiodun, Niger police spokesperson said.

Kidnap gangs, referred to as bandits by locals, regularly carry out mass kidnappings for ransom and loot villages in the parts of northwest and northcentral Nigeria.

Hardest hit

But Niger state has been one of the hardest hit in recent months.

In November, armed gangs abducted more than 250 students and staff from a Catholic school in the state.

Authorities announced their release in two batches weeks later.

The Nigerian government has ramped up efforts to improve security in the wake of mass abductions. Many of the victims, who were recently kidnapped, have since been rescued.