Five suspected kidnappers and criminals previously arrested by troops of Sector 7, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have been killed during an encounter with members of their alleged criminal syndicate in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the five suspects were arrested on October 2 and Oct. 5 by troops of Sub-Sector 71 in Sanga LGA and were subjected to further interrogation.

During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to involvement in several kidnapping incidents and other criminal activities. They subsequently agreed to lead the troops to their hideouts to facilitate the recovery of weapons and the arrest of other members of the syndicate.

However, at about 8:22 p.m. on October 5, while the troops were heading to the suspected hideouts, they encountered other members of the syndicate, resulting in an exchange of gunfire.

During the encounter, the five arrested suspects were killed, while other members of the syndicate fled the area.

No casualty was recorded among the troops.

Security forces have commenced efforts to locate and apprehend the fleeing members of the criminal syndicate. (Zagazola)