ABUJA, May 20 (Xinhua) -- The Nigerian government has condemned attacks Saturday on United Nations (UN) peacekeepers that led to the death of a Nigerian peacekeeper in northern Mali by unidentified assailants.

In a statement reaching Xinhua in Abuja on Monday, the foreign ministry described the death of the Nigerian peacekeeper as "an irreplaceable loss."

The Nigerian was killed in Timbuktu as the assailants struck in that location and Tessalit on Saturday. One other Nigerian was among four injured peacekeepers.

The attacks were perpetrated against vehicles of UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) in Timbuktu and Tessalit.

"As we await further details on the attacks, the (Foreign Affairs) Ministry wishes to express its deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives," the statement said.

"While wishing the injured quick recovery, the Ministry also wishes to commiserate with the UN Peace Keeping Mission in Mali on the sad incidents," it added.

Nigeria remains committed to continuing to support the UN peacekeeping mission in the fight against insecurity in the African continent and beyond, the statement said.