Troops Nab Kidnapper With ₦13m, AK-47 Rifles

DDM News

Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN, under Operation LAFIYAN JAMA’A, have arrested a suspected kidnapper with N13.7 million in cash, arms, and other items along the Wamba–Jos Road in Sanga Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that the arrest took place on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at a snap checkpoint mounted by the military in the Agameti area.

According to Major Samson Zhakom, spokesperson for the operation, the troops stopped a Volkswagen vehicle with registration number JJN 336 YZ, which had three occupants.

Two of the suspects reportedly jumped out of the car and fled before reaching the checkpoint, leaving one man behind.

Upon stopping the vehicle, troops discovered bullet holes and bloodstains, which raised immediate suspicion.

The remaining suspect allegedly attempted to bribe the soldiers, but the troops rejected the offer and proceeded with a thorough search.

Recovered from the vehicle were:

• 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
• Cash amounting to ₦13,742,000

During interrogation, the suspect confessed to involvement in kidnapping activities along the Jos–Makurdi Road and offered to lead the troops to their hideout.

However, while en route, he allegedly attempted to disarm one of the soldiers in a bid to escape.

The troops responded swiftly, and the suspect was neutralised on the spot.

Major Zhakom added that follow-up operations are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing accomplices and dismantle the kidnapping syndicate operating within the area.

He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to safeguarding lives, eliminating criminal elements, and maintaining peace and security in the Joint Operations Area.

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