Troops Neutralize Notorious Kidnapper in Kaduna, Recover Arms, Ammunition, and Over N13 Million Ransom
In a significant breakthrough in the ongoing fight against kidnapping and banditry, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN, under the ongoing Operation LAFIYAN JAMA'A, have neutralized a notorious kidnapper and recovered a large cache of arms, ammunition, and ransom money during a targeted operation in Kaduna State.
The operation took place on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, when troops mounted a snap checkpoint along the Wamba–Jos Road at Agameti, Sanga Local Government Area. During the stop-and-search exercise, a Volkswagen vehicle with registration number JJN 336 YZ, carrying three occupants, was intercepted. Two of the occupants fled the scene abruptly, raising suspicion.
Upon inspection, troops discovered bullet holes and blood stains inside the vehicle. Attempts by the remaining occupant to bribe the troops with cash were rejected. The suspect was arrested and a thorough search of both the individual and the vehicle revealed the following items:
Two AK-47 rifles
Two AK-47 magazines
Thirty rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition
Three mobile phones
One knife
One football
Assorted charms
One torchlight
N13,742,000 in cash
During preliminary interrogation, the suspect confessed to being involved in a series of kidnappings along the Jos–Makurdi Road and offered to lead troops to the gang’s hideout. However, in a failed escape attempt during the follow-up operation, the suspect tried to disarm one of the soldiers and was immediately neutralized.
Troops have since launched follow-up operations to locate and apprehend other fleeing members of the criminal syndicate.
Operation SAFE HAVEN reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property across the Joint Operations Area and vowed to continue pursuing criminals who threaten the safety and stability of local communities.
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