Troops arrest two ‘kidnappers’ at ransom collection point in Kaduna

The troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) have arrested two “notorious kidnappers” in Kaduna state.

The suspects identified as Yahuza Abubakar and Musa Ishyaka were said to have been arrested at Jagindi community, Jema’a LGA of Kaduna.

Zagazola Makama, a publication focused on the Lake Chad region, said the suspects abducted a resident and demanded a ransom of N500,000 from her parents.

Makama quoted military sources as saying the troops arrested the culprits on June 14, adding they were lured by the intelligence team and picked up at the point of ransom collection.

The suspects have been handed over to the military intelligence unit for further investigation.

‘SIX BANDITS KILLED IN BIRNIN-GWARI’

Meanwhile, troops of Operation Whirl Punch have killed six bandits terrorising residents of Birnin-Gwari LGA.

Samuel Aruwan, Kaduna commissioner for internal security, said the troops conducted the operation in response to intelligence reports on terrorist activities in the area.

He said the troops cleared hotspots at Maidaro, Ngade Alha, Dogon Dawa, Damari, Saulawa, Farin Ruwa, Maganda, Sabon Layi, and Kampanin Doka villages.

“On arriving at Saulawa, the troops made contact with the bandits and immediately engaged them in a gun battle, during which two of the criminals were swiftly neutralised,” he said.

A motorcycle and a radio set were said to have been recovered from the bandits during the operation.

The troops also made contact with bandits at Farin Ruwa where four of them were killed in the ensuing firefight.

The troops recovered several weapons including one GPMG, two AK-47 rifles, six AK-47 magazines, one FN rifle magazine, and 22 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition.

Other recovered items are 51 rounds of 7.62 special ammunition and a motorcycle.