MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (AP) — A vigilante group says 25 people have been killed during an attack by the vigilantes and a reprisal by Islamic extremists in Nigeria's northeast.

These are the first major fatalities reported in the region since dozens of students were killed, some burned alive, earlier this month.

Vigilante leader Aliko Musa said his group stormed villages over the weekend to hunt members of the banned Boko Haram terrorist organization. He said Boko Haram retaliated and that five vigilantes and 20 civilians — mostly fishermen and traders — were killed.

Lt. Haruna Muhammed Sani of Nigeria's military said 20 civilians and one vigilante were killed in the violence.

The region is under a state of emergency, and it is difficult for journalists to independently confirm details of violence that occurs there.