Operation SAFE HAVEN troops have eliminated a well-known kidnapper and seized weapons, ammunition, and N13 million in ransom money during a spontaneous checkpoint operation in Kaduna State.
The event took place on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, along the Wamba–Jos Road at Agameti, in Sanga Local Government Area of the state, as part of the ongoing Operation LAFIYAN JAMA’A.
Maj. Samson Nantip Zhakom, the Media Information Officer of Operation SAFE HAVEN, who revealed this in a statement on Thursday, said the kidnapper was neutralised while trying to disarm the soldiers after they declined his bribe offer.
According to the statement, troops set up a snap checkpoint along the route when they stopped a Volkswagen vehicle with registration number JJN 336 YZ carrying three occupants.
Two of the occupants reportedly escaped on foot upon spotting the troops, prompting a rapid response from the operatives.
Upon examination, troops found bullet holes and blood stains on the vehicle.
One of the suspects, who stayed in the vehicle, attempted to bribe the troops with cash but was apprehended after the offer was rejected.
A detailed search of the suspect and the vehicle resulted in 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 N13,742,000 in cash, suspected to be ransom money.
During questioning, the suspect admitted to being responsible for a series of kidnapping operations along the Jos–Makurdi axis and offered to guide troops to their hideout.
However, while en route to the location, the suspect reportedly tried to disarm the soldiers and was neutralised in the process.
Follow-up operations are currently ongoing to capture other members of the criminal syndicate.
The statement reaffirmed the commitment of Operation SAFE HAVEN to securing lives and property and eliminating criminal elements threatening peace across the Joint Operations Area.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli
