Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN have neutralised a notorious kidnapper and recovered a cache of arms, ammunition, and over N13 million in suspected ransom money during a snap checkpoint operation in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The operation, which took place on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, along the Wamba–Jos Road at Agameti, was part of the ongoing Operation LAFIYAN JAMA’A aimed at curbing criminal activities and restoring peace in the region.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Media Information Officer of Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, said the troops had mounted a snap checkpoint when they intercepted a Volkswagen vehicle with registration number JJN 336 YZ conveying three male occupants.
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Upon sighting the troops, two of the occupants reportedly abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot, prompting a swift response from the operatives. A search of the vehicle revealed bullet holes and blood stains.
One suspect in the car tried to bribe the troops with cash but was arrested after the offer was rejected.
“The troops rejected the bribe and arrested the suspect,” the statement read. “A thorough search of the vehicle led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, two magazines loaded with 30 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition, three mobile phones, one knife, a football, assorted charms, a torchlight, and the sum of N13,742,000 in cash believed to be ransom proceeds.”
During interrogation, the suspect confessed to being part of a kidnapping syndicate operating along the Jos–Makurdi axis and offered to lead the troops to their hideout.
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However, while en route to the location, the suspect reportedly attempted to disarm the soldiers and was neutralised in the process.
Follow-up operations have since been launched to track and apprehend the fleeing suspects and other members of the criminal gang.
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.