MONROVIA, Liberia (AP) — Justice Ministry officials in the West African nation of Liberia say they're asking a court to sign off on extraditing seven alleged mercenaries to Ivory Coast.

The move follows criticism of how Liberia has responded to the threat posed by armed groups along its border.

Human rights groups say mercenaries backing former Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo have used the Liberian side of the border to launch deadly attacks inside Ivory Coast.

Deputy Justice Minister Benedict Sannoh said late Wednesday that the government of Ivory Coast made the request to have the men extradited.

Liberia says the men are Ivorians, but defense lawyers say their nationalities are unclear.