Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN, under Operation LAFIYAN JAMA’A, have arrested a suspected kidnapper along the Wamba-Jos Road in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State with over N13 million in cash and weapons.
The arrest happened on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at Agameti, during a snap checkpoint mounted by the troops to clamp down on criminals in the area.
According to the operation’s spokesperson, Major Samson Zhakom, a suspicious Volkswagen vehicle with registration number JJN 336 YZ was stopped at the checkpoint. Two of the three occupants quickly fled the vehicle, leaving one behind.
The troops noticed bullet holes and bloodstains on the vehicle. The remaining suspect reportedly attempted to bribe the soldiers, which was rejected.
A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of:
-Two AK-47 rifles
– Two magazines
– 30 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition
– Three mobile phones
– One knife, football, torchlight, and assorted charms
– N13,742,000 in cash
During interrogation, the suspect confessed to being involved in kidnappings along the Jos–Makurdi Road and offered to lead troops to his gang’s hideout. However, during the operation, he attempted to disarm the soldiers and was shot dead.
Major Zhakom said follow-up operations are ongoing to track down the remaining gang members. He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to making the region safer and ridding it of criminals.