The Nigerian Army Headquarters has confirmed that its troops have neutralised two notorious kidnappers identified as Abdulrazaq Umar and Idris Abdullahi operating in Plateau State.
The Army disclosed that the suspects were killed while trying to escape after they were arrested.
The two kidnappers were arrested by a joint team of soldiers and policemen on July 7 and July 8 at Heipang in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of the State.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Bernard Onyeuko, said the suspects confessed to have carried out several kidnapping activities within Plateau and Bauchi States including the murder of Alhaji Saleh Abdulhamid (Shaba) at Ex Land Village on June 22.
Onyeuko revealed that one Malam Buhari Umar was the leader of the gang.
He said while enroute the criminals’ hideout, suspects attempted to escape and were neutralised.
Onyeuko further said that troops had also on July 9, conducted a raid operation at Mailafia, Nisama, Dogon Filli and Gidan Waya all in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
He said that two armed robbers — George Yakubu, 26; and George Joseph, 25, were apprehended during the raid operation.
According to him, items recovered from the suspects include three AK-47 riffles, one knife, one cutting hoe, one cutter and one spanner among others.
“Also, on the same day, troops responded to a distress call that gunmen attacked a Toyota Hummer Bus with Registration Number LFA 322 YR Nasarawa at Dogon Filli village.
“Troops mobilised to the scene and rescued nine passengers who were held hostage.
“The military high command commends troops of Operation Safe Haven for their efforts and encourages general public to avail troops with credible and timely information on criminal activities,” he disclosed.