Five suspected kidnappers were killed during a gun battle between troops and members of a criminal gang in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The incident reportedly occurred shortly after midnight on Monday, September 21, 2026, after troops of Sub-Sector 71 had arrested the five suspects a day earlier.
According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, the suspects admitted during interrogation that they were involved in kidnapping and other criminal activities.
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The suspects were said to have agreed to lead the troops to the group’s suspected hideouts, where security personnel hoped to recover weapons and arrest other members of the syndicate.
However, at about 12:30am, the troops reportedly encountered other members of the group while moving towards the suspected hideouts.
The encounter led to an exchange of gunfire between the troops and the suspected kidnappers.
During the gun battle, the five suspects who had earlier been arrested were killed, while other members of the syndicate reportedly fled the area.
No casualty was recorded among the troops during the operation.
Security forces have since launched efforts to track down the fleeing suspects as operations continue in the area.
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