Witnesses to the heavy Kano shootout in Kano on Friday morning claim that Joint Task Force operatives killed five suspected gunmen and arrested seven others during during their operation in Naibawa Kwanar Maslachi area in northern Nigeria’s largest city.

In earlier reports, witnesses recalled hearing heavy sporadic gunfire in the region as early as 3:25 a.m., adding that the attacks further intensified as the hours wore on.

One eyewitness said, “after the operation, I saw five dead bodies being taken away by the soldiers”. The witness further added that another seven were arrested.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria reports, the operatives raided the area behind the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital in the metropolis, suspected to be a hideout for gunmen.

The attacks caused a total shutdown in the area with banks, public and private businesses closing their doors and workers seeking refuge at home.

Joint Task Force spokesman, Lt. Col. Ikedichi Iweha, confirmed the incident, and said a statement was forthcoming