The media officer said the activities of the drug peddlers had largely contributed to the security challenges confronting the state.
Mr Zhakom noted that the arrest followed an intelligence report on criminal activities involving the suspects.
Mr Zhakom explained that the dead bodies of the deceased have been recovered and buried.
“During the exchange of fire, troops overwhelmed the criminals with superior firepower and neutralised three of the suspected bandits,” Mr Zhakom said.
He said the troops, in efforts to rid the Jos metropolis of criminal elements, also recovered arms and ammunition from the suspects.
Mr Zhakom said the suspects were neutralised following a tip-off on the activities of bandits in the community.
He said that troops had intensified efforts to track and arrest other members of the criminal syndicate.
Mr Zhakom said the victims were rescued on March 7 following an aggressive operation conducted by its troops in the area.
The media officer stated that the arrest followed an operation held between December 2024 and January 4, 2025.
The media officer explained that the suspects were arrested on December 10, with a cache of ammunition.
