Crime

Troops Arrest Suspected Kidnapper With ₦13.7M, Weapons on Kaduna-Jos Highway

Published by Tope Fakinlede on July 13th, 2025.

Troops Arrest Suspected Kidnapper With ₦13.7M, Weapons on Kaduna-Jos Highway

Security forces under Operation SAFE HAVEN, currently executing Operation LAFIYAN JAMA’A, have captured a suspected kidnapper along the Wamba-Jos highway, seizing a substantial cache of weapons and over ₦13 million in cash.

The operation, according to the force’s spokesperson Major Samson Zhakom, was part of ongoing efforts to purge criminal activities from the Joint Operations Area.

The arrest occurred on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, when troops established a snap checkpoint near Agameti in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State. During the checkpoint operation, a Volkswagen vehicle with registration number JJN 336 YZ was stopped. Before the vehicle could be fully searched, two of the three occupants fled the scene.

Upon inspection, soldiers discovered signs of a violent encounter inside the vehicle, including bullet holes and bloodstains. The remaining suspect reportedly attempted to bribe the troops, which was firmly declined.

A comprehensive search led to the recovery of significant items including:

Two AK-47 rifles

Two AK-47 magazines

30 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition

Three mobile phones

A knife

A football

Assorted charms

A torchlight

₦13,742,000 in cash

During interrogation, the apprehended suspect confessed to involvement in multiple kidnappings along the Jos–Makurdi axis. He offered to lead the troops to the gang’s hideout. However, in an attempt to escape during the operation, the suspect tried to seize a soldier’s weapon and was neutralized on the spot.

Major Zhakom emphasized that follow-up operations are underway to locate and apprehend other members of the syndicate. He reiterated the troops’ unwavering commitment to securing the region and dismantling criminal networks operating within the area.