Troops neutralise suspected kidnap kingpin in Kaduna
Troops Neutralize Suspected Kidnap Leader in Kaduna
KADUNA — Troops have neutralized a suspected prominent kidnap kingpin, identified as Idi Yaya, during a security operation in Kauru Local Government Area, Kaduna State.
Details emerged from a post shared on social media by security analyst Zagazola Makama. The operation was prompted by intelligence received at approximately 6:10 a.m. on Monday, indicating that Yaya, who had been listed as a wanted fugitive, was identified in the area.
Authorities tracked Yaya to Kikoba community and arrested him during a coordinated operation around 11:15 p.m. the same day. According to security sources, the suspect had been evading capture for months before resurfacing in the community.
Yaya was reportedly recognized by a victim who had previously escaped from his captivity, further corroborating his connection to local kidnapping incidents. During questioning, he allegedly admitted to his involvement in various crimes and disclosed the locations of weapons and hideouts utilized by his gang members.
However, while troops were escorting him to one of the identified locations at around 9:35 p.m. on Tuesday, he reportedly attempted to flee by trying to seize a soldier’s weapon. During the ensuing struggle, he was neutralized.
Security sources also noted that eight rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition were expended during the operation. Efforts are currently underway to locate and apprehend other members of the alleged kidnapping network linked to Yaya as operations continue in the area.
