The Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) have announced that its troops neutralised a notorious kidnapper who died during a bid to escape from arrest and attempted to disarm troops.
A statement by OPSH Spokesperson, Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, said that “as part of efforts by troops to secure the Joint Operations Area from criminals, on Wednesday 9 July 2025, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN conducting the ongoing Operation LAFIYAN JAMA’A mounted snap checkpoints along Wamba – Jos Road at Agameti in Sanga Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State.
“During the operation, troops intercepted a Volkswagen vehicle with registration number JJN 336 YZ with 3 occupants. However, 2 of the occupants 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.
“Consequently, troops arrested the suspected kidnapper, conducted a thorough search on him and the vehicle, recovering the following items in the process:
a. Two (2) AK-47 rifles.
b. Two (2) AK-47 magazines.
c. Thirty (30) rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) ammunition.
d. Three (3) mobile phones.
e. One (1) knife.
f. One (1) football.
g. Assorted charms.
h. One (1) torch light.
i. The sum of Thirteen Million, Seven Hundred and Forty Two Thousand Naira (N13,742,000) in cash.
“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 own troops and was neutralised. Troops are conducting follow-up operations to intercept and arrest other members of the criminal syndicate.
“Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN will remain committed to the responsibilities of protecting human lives, and tracking down criminal elements who specialize in destabilizing communities and committing heinous crimes.”
