Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari. (Photo: CFP)

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered a military hunt of bandits that attacked a train in the country's north on Monday, killing some travelers and kidnapping others.

The train, plying the Abuja-Kaduna line, came under fire as it approached the capital of Kaduna state. Local media outlets report that the train had about 970 passengers when the incident occurred.

The number of those killed in the attack remains unclear, but the military confirmed that the attackers made away with some of the travelers.

Following that attack, President Buhari met on Tuesday with the West African country's security chiefs, where he ordered the military to launch an operation to "Rescue of all kidnapped passengers, and a manhunt for the terrorists, to ensure they are all made to face justice for the heinous acts."

"I am deeply pained by this attack, the second of its type. The attack on the train, a safe means of transport to many, is callous; our thoughts are with the families of the deceased, and prayers for the injured," he said.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, visited the scene of the attack for an assessment.

He assured Nigerians that the military will be undeterred and vehement in the fight against banditry and other forms of criminality.

He also called upon local residents with information about the attack to come forth as it would be helpful in the hunt.