Troops Smash Kidnap Syndicate, Gun Down Kingpin, Seize Arms and ₦13.7m Ransom in Kaduna

By Emmanuel Kwada

In a decisive blow against criminality, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN neutralised a notorious kidnap kingpin, recovered arms, ammunition, and ₦13.7 million in suspected ransom money during a snap checkpoint operation along Wamba–Jos Road in Agameti, Sanga Local Government Area, Kaduna State, on Wednesday, July 9.

The operation, part of the ongoing Operation LAFIYAN JAMA’A, saw troops intercept a Volkswagen vehicle (registration JJN 336 YZ) carrying three occupants. According to Maj. Samson Nantip Zhakom, Media Information Officer of Operation SAFE HAVEN, two suspects fled on foot upon sighting the checkpoint, but one was apprehended after attempting to bribe the troops with cash, an offer promptly rejected.

A search of the vehicle and suspect uncovered bullet holes, blood stains, and a cache of items, including two AK-47 rifles, two magazines with 30 rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition, three mobile phones, a knife, a football, assorted charms, a torchlight, and ₦13,742,000 in cash, believed to be ransom proceeds.

The detained suspect confessed to orchestrating multiple kidnappings along the Jos–Makurdi axis and offered to guide troops to the syndicate’s hideout. However, during the journey, he attempted to disarm the soldiers and was neutralised in the ensuing confrontation.

Two AK-47 rifles, two magazines with 30 rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition, three mobile phones, a knife, a football, assorted charms, a torchlight, and ₦13,742,000 in cash, recovered

Operation SAFE HAVEN has launched follow-up operations to track down other syndicate members. Maj. Zhakom reaffirmed the task force’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, vowing to rid the Joint Operations Area of criminal elements.

This operation marks a significant victory in the fight against kidnapping and banditry in Kaduna State, dealing a major blow to criminal networks terrorising the region.