The Nigerian Army has killed five kidnappers during a security operation targeting a criminal syndicate terrorising communities in Kaduna State.
The suspects were killed after troops engaged other members of the gang in a gun battle while being taken to locations believed to be hideouts used by the syndicate.
It was gathered that the encounter occurred at about 12:30 a.m. on Monday in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State, shortly after troops from Sub-Sector 71 had arrested the five Kidnappers on Sunday.
A military source said the kidnappers were being interrogated after their arrest and provided information about their activities and those of other members of the group.
The information reportedly led the troops towards suspected hideouts where the army intended to recover weapons and arrest more members of the syndicate.
However, the operation took a different turn when troops came under attack from other suspected members of the group, resulting in a firefight.
Subsequently, the five arrested kidnappers were killed during the confrontation, while the other⁹9⁹⁹⁹⁹⁹⁹⁹ members of the syndicate escaped into the surrounding area.
The army recorded no casualties among its personnel during the operation, according to the military source.
Meanwhile, military forces have reportedly intensified efforts to track down the other fleeing kidnappers as operations continue to disrupt criminal activities in the State.