Security forces have taken down a high-profile kidnapping figure, Idi Yaya, during a mission in Kaduna State’s Kauru Local Government Area. The operation was detailed by security analyst Zagazola Makama on X.
Intelligence received around 6:10 am on Monday indicated that the wanted suspect had been spotted in the region after a lengthy period of hiding. Troops tracked him to Kikoba community, where they carried out a coordinated arrest at about 11:15 pm that same day.
The suspect’s identity was confirmed by a victim who had managed to escape his captivity earlier. Under questioning, Yaya admitted to his involvement in kidnappings and disclosed the location of his weapon and hideouts used by his gang.
While being taken to one of these hideouts around 9:35 pm on Tuesday, the suspect tried to flee by grabbing a soldier’s weapon. During the struggle, he was neutralized. Eight rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition were used in the incident.
Authorities are continuing to hunt down other members of the kidnapping network as operations persist in the area.