Troops neutralise notorious kidnap kingpin ‘Amadu’ in Kaduna

Troops have neutralised a notorious kidnapping kingpin, Amadu, during a raid in Malafiya town, Atiku Ward of Jama’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State. 

Amadu was the leader of a criminal syndicate terrorising Malafiya and surrounding communities with crimes ranging from kidnapping and cattle rustling to armed robbery. 

According to the security analyst Zagazola Makama, Amadu had been on the most-wanted lists of security agencies and was linked to several high-profile crimes in the area, including the k!lling of a businessman in September 2025 and an attempted abduction of a prominent local figure’s relative. 

Following credible intelligence on the gang’s hideout, troops conducted a raid on January 25, 2026, to apprehend the remaining criminal elements. 

During the operation, there was an exchange of fire between the troops and the suspects. 

In the course of the engagement, Amadu attempted to escape and was neutralised. 

A search of the scene led to the recovery of a locally made pistol,” the sources said. 

The general area has since been calm, while clearance and confidence-building patrols have been intensified to prevent a resurgence of criminal activities.