Troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade operating under Operation Udoka, in collaboration with other security agencies, have dismantled a suspected kidnapping syndicate in Imo State following an intelligence-driven operation that resulted in the arrest of one suspect and the recovery of cash believed to be part of a ransom payment.
The operation, which was carried out on July 17, 2026, also led to the recovery of a vehicle allegedly used by the kidnappers during the crime.
The Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Ayeni, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Sunday.
Ayeni explained that troops launched a coordinated cordon-and-search operation at Obinwanne Umuaka in Njaba Local Government Area after receiving credible intelligence regarding the activities of the suspected criminal group.
According to him, security operatives first recovered a bag allegedly used to transport ransom payments after it had been abandoned inside a nearby bush by members of the syndicate.
He said intelligence gathered from the initial discovery subsequently led troops to a residential building, where one of the suspects was apprehended.
A thorough search of the premises, Ayeni added, resulted in the recovery of a black Lexus saloon car believed to have been used during the kidnapping operation.
Security personnel also recovered several mobile phones, identity documents and the sum of ₦298,200 in cash suspected to be part of the ransom collected from the victim’s family.
The Army spokesperson revealed that the rescued victim positively identified the arrested suspect as one of those who participated in the kidnapping.
According to preliminary investigations, the suspect allegedly made his vehicle available for the criminal operation and later received a portion of the ransom proceeds as his share.
“The rescued victim identified the suspect as one of those involved in the abduction,” Ayeni stated.
He further disclosed that the suspect, alongside all recovered exhibits, has been handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS) for further investigation.
The Army said efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the kidnapping syndicate, including the alleged kingpin, who remains at large.
Ayeni noted that intelligence exploitation is continuing to identify additional accomplices and dismantle the criminal network completely.
He described the successful operation as another demonstration of the effectiveness of intelligence-led military operations and the close collaboration among security agencies in combating violent crimes across the South-East.
According to him, the military remains committed to supporting efforts aimed at eliminating kidnapping, armed violence and other security threats within the region.
The Army reassured residents that troops would continue to sustain aggressive operations against criminal elements while encouraging members of the public to provide timely and credible information capable of assisting security agencies in preventing crime and enhancing public safety.
