Kidnap Suspect Neutralized on Kaduna-Jos Highway

Kaduna State, Nigeria – In a significant development in the fight against kidnapping, soldiers operating under Operation Safe Haven’t, as part of Operation Lafiyan Jama’a, apprehended a suspected member of a notorious kidnapping syndicate on the Wamba–Jos Highway in Kaduna State. The arrest, which occurred on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, led to the recovery of a substantial sum of ₦13,742,000 in cash, alongside AK-47 rifles and various ritual items.

The suspect was one of three individuals traveling in a Volkswagen vehicle (Reg. No. JJN 336 YZ) when it was intercepted at a snap checkpoint in Agameti, Sanga Local Government Area. According to Major Samson Zhakom, military spokesperson, two of the occupants fled into nearby bushland upon approach by the soldiers, leaving the remaining suspect alone in the bullet-riddled, bloodstained vehicle.

A Desperate Bid and Fatal End

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The apprehended suspect attempted to bribe the soldiers with cash, which was rejected. A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered two AK-47 rifles, two AK-47 magazines, 30 rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition, three mobile phones, a knife, a football, and several ritual charms, along with a torchlight.
Under interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to being involved in kidnappings along the dangerous Jos–Makurdi road.

He then agreed to lead troops to the gang’s hideout. However, the operation took a violent turn when the suspect made a desperate attempt to seize a soldier’s weapon, leading to his immediate neutralization by the troops.

Major Samson Zhakom reiterated the military’s commitment, stating, “We remain committed to protecting lives and rooting out criminal elements wherever they are.”