Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) have neutralised a suspected kidnapper accused of carrying out kidnapping activities along the Jos – Makurdi Road at Wamba – Agameti in Sanga local government area of Kaduna State.
OPSH Media and Information Officer, Major Samson Zhakom, said in a statement issued in Jos, Plateau State, on Friday that while conducting the ongoing Operation LAFIYAN JAMA’A, the troops intercepted a Volkswagen vehicle with registration number JJN 336 YZ at a checkpoint.
Zhakom added that two of the three occupants of the vehicle suddenly alighted from the vehicle and fled shortly before the checkpoint.
“The vigilant troops discovered bullet holes and blood stains on the vehicle, while the criminal attempted to induce troops with monetary gratification which was blatantly refused,” he said.
Consequently, Major Zhakom said the troops arrested the suspected kidnapper, conducted a thorough search on him and the vehicle leading to the recovery of 2 AK-47 rifles, 2 AK-47 magazines, 30 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) ammunition, 3 mobile phones and 1 knife.
Other items recovered by the troops according to the statement also include 1 football, assorted charms, 1 torch light and the sum of N13,742,000 in cash.
He pointed out that the arrested suspect during interrogation confessed to being responsible for kidnapping activities along Jos – Makurdi Road and agreed to lead troops to their hideout.
“However, while leading troops to the hideout, the suspect in a bid to escape attempted to disarm our troops and was neutralised. Troops are conducting follow-up operations to intercept and arrest other members of the criminal syndicate,” he said.
The Media Information Officer expressed the commitment of Operation SAFE HAVEN troops in protecting lives, and tracking down criminal elements specialising in destabilising communities and committing heinous crimes.