Nigerian troops on Sunday in Bauchi killed five suspected kidnappers during an exchange of gunfire, the Nigerian Army announced yesterday. It said that, also on Sunday, troops and local vigilante in Borno State intercepted a Boko Haram terrorist as well as three suspected wives of wanted Boko Haram terrorists.

Giving details of the exploits, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, said in a statement:

“Yesterday at about 1.30pm, troops of 33 Brigade Nigerian Army deployed at Forward Operation Base (FOB) Ningi, on routine patrol, came across suspected kidnappers at Dutsen Makurd, Ningi Local Government Area.

“The suspected kidnappers opened fire on the troops that led to exchange of gunfire between both at the end which 5 kidnappers were killed. The patrol team recovered 3 Dane guns and other dangerous weapons from the suspects.

“In another development, a suspected Boko Haram terrorist, Adamu Nuhu, was arrested at Kwaya Kusar Local Government Area, northern Borno State, following a tip-off by well-meaning Nigerians.

“He is currently being interrogated. Similarly, at about 5.43pm yesterday 3 women suspected to be spouses of wanted Boko Haram terrorists and logistics suppliers were arrested at Miringa market by vigilante members in the town. They, however, handed them to troops and they also being investigated.”

•Photo showsweapons recovered from the suspected kidnappers.