Troops neutralise suspected kidnap kingpin in Kaduna

Troops have neutralised a suspected notorious kidnap kingpin identified as Idi Yaya during a security operation in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Details of the incident were contained 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 indicating that the suspect, who had been on a wanted list for kidnapping activities, had resurfaced in the area.

The suspect was later tracked to Kikoba community, where he was arrested during a coordinated operation at about 11:15 pm the same day.

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

He was reportedly identified by a victim who had earlier 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 7.62mm 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.