Nigeria's army has captured several security personnel, saying they were linked to the militant group Boko Haram.

On Sunday, Nigeria’s army officials issued a statement saying that they arrested several security agents based on information given by an immigration officer, who was detained last month over his connection with the country's extremist group.

"His arrest led to the further arrest of some other security personnel that have been participating in various terrorist attacks in both Borno and Yobe states," Reuters quoted the Army's spokesman in Northeast Borno state, Sagir Musa as saying.

The group has claimed responsibility for a number of deadly gun and bomb attacks in various parts of Nigeria since 2009.

The group has also attacked Muslim figures as well as a range of other targets, including the United Nations building in the capital Abuja during the last months.

Meanwhile, on May 11, Nigerian security forces arrested Suleiman Mohammed, Boko Haram's head of operations in Kano, along with his wife and five children, during a raid on his house in the northern city.

Human rights groups report that violent actions by Boko Haram since mid-2009 have claimed more than 1,000 lives, including over 300 this year alone.

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