Five suspected kidnappers neutralised during gun battle with troops in Kaduna
Five suspected kidnappers were killed during a gun battle with security forces in the Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The clash occurred shortly after midnight on September 21, 2026, following the arrest of the suspects by troops from Sub-Sector 71 a day earlier.
According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, the suspects admitted to their involvement in kidnapping and other criminal activities during questioning. They reportedly agreed to assist the military by leading them to potential hideouts of the criminal syndicate to recover weapons and apprehend additional suspects.
However, around 12:30 a.m., as the troops were en route to these locations, they encountered other members of the group, resulting in the armed confrontation. The five suspects who had been in custody were killed in the exchange, while the remaining members of the syndicate managed to escape.
No casualties were reported among the troops during the incident. Security forces are currently engaged in efforts to locate and apprehend the fleeing members of the syndicate as operations in the area continue.
