Troops neutralise suspected kidnapping kingpin in Kaduna

Troops have apprehended a suspected kidnapping kingpin named Idi Yaya during a security operation in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The incident was reported in a post shared on X by security analyst Zagazola Makama.

According to the post, troops acted on intelligence received at about 6:10 am on Monday that the suspect, who had been on a wanted list for kidnapping activities, had resurfaced in the area.

The suspect was later located in the Kikoba community, where he was taken into custody during a coordinated operation at about 11:15 pm the same day.

Security sources said the suspect had been hiding for months before reappearing in the community.

He was reportedly identified by a victim who had escaped from his custody, further confirming his involvement in kidnapping activities.

During interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to his crimes and revealed the location of his weapon as well as hideouts used by members of his gang.

However, while troops were escorting him to one of the identified hideouts at about 9:35 pm on Tuesday, he reportedly attempted to escape by trying to snatch a soldier’s weapon.

He was subsequently neutralised during the struggle.

Security sources added that eight rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition were used during the operation.

Efforts are ongoing to track and arrest other members of the kidnapping network linked to the suspect as operations continue across the area.