Nigeria, Aug. 5 -- The police in Abia State, South-east Nigeria, say they have killed five suspected kidnappers during a heavy gun battle in the state.

The police spokesperson in Abia State, Mauren Chinaka, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.

Ms Chinaka, a deputy superintendent of police, said a joint tactical team of the police killed the kidnappers when they raided a criminal hideout in Umuiku Obete, a community in Ukwa West Local Government Area of the state.

The spokesperson said the operation, which was conducted on 30 July, followed receipt of a tip-off that the kidnappers were terrorising residents of the area.

"Upon sighting the operatives, the notorious gang engaged the police in a gun battle.

"Unable to withstand the s...