Two hostages held in Nigeria have been killed in a rescue attempt by British and Nigerian forces.

The British and Italian governments said Thursday the two hostages were apparently killed by their captors.

The two hostages, Italian national Franco Lamolinara and British national Christopher McManus, were kidnapped in northern Nigeria in May of last year.

The Italian government says authorities launched the rescue operation because it was feared the hostages' lives were at “imminent” risk.

The Italian statement said the raid was carried out by Nigerian forces with Britain's support.