Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN have neutralised a notorious kidnapper and recovered arms, ammunition, and ransom money during a snap checkpoint operation in Kaduna State.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, July 9, along the Wamba–Jos Road at Agameti, in Sanga Local Government Area of the state, as part of the ongoing Operation LAFIYAN JAMA’A.
According to a statement by Maj. Samson Nantip Zhakom, the Media Information Officer of Operation SAFE HAVEN, troops mounted a snap checkpoint along the route when they intercepted a Volkswagen vehicle with registration number JJN 336 YZ carrying three occupants.
Two of the occupants reportedly fled on foot upon sighting the troops, prompting a swift response from the operatives.
Upon inspection, troops discovered bullet holes and blood stains on the vehicle. One of the suspects, who remained in the vehicle, attempted to bribe the troops with cash but was arrested after the offer was rejected.
A thorough search of the suspect and the vehicle led to the recovery of: Two AK-47 rifles, two magazines loaded with 30 rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition, three mobile phones, one knife, one football, Assorted charms, one torchlight, sum of ₦13,742,000 in cash, suspected to be ransom money.
During interrogation, the suspect confessed to being responsible for a series of kidnapping operations along the Jos–Makurdi axis and offered to lead troops to their hideout.
However, while en route to the location, the suspect reportedly attempted to disarm the soldiers and was neutralised in the process.
Follow-up operations are currently underway to apprehend other members of the criminal syndicate.
The statement reiterated the commitment of Operation SAFE HAVEN to securing lives and property and flushing out criminal elements threatening peace across the Joint Operations Area.