Police recovered about 400 kg of explosive material, suspected to have been hidden by the banned Communist Party of India-Maoist for making landmines and bombs, on Monday in Bihar's Gaya district.

Gaya Superintendent of Police Amit Jain confirmed that 400 kg of explosives were recovered at Gurbibag in Barachatti by police during the ongoing combing operation against Naxalites in the bordering areas of Jharkhand.

"It was the first success in combing operations against Naxalites," Jain said.

Police teams from Bihar and Jharkhand launched a joint operation against Naxalites in the border districts of the two states on Saturday.

The operation follows a Naxal attack at Chilkhadia village in Giridih district on Saturday morning, which killed 17 people, including the younger son of former Jharkhand chief minister Babulal Marandi.

Security forces of both the states are currently engaged in combing operations against Naxalites in border districts, police sources said.

The need for a joint operation arises as Naxalites often cross the border and seek shelter in the neighbouring state during police operations.

Police officials admit that after their latest attack in Giridih, the Naxalites may have shifted to Bihar's Jamaui district, which borders Jharkhand.

It was suspected that the rebels had procured the explosive material for making landmines and bombs.