Troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade operating under Operation UDO KA, in collaboration with other security agencies, have dismantled a kidnapping syndicate in Imo State, leading to the arrest of a suspected member of the gang and the recovery of suspected ransom proceeds and a vehicle allegedly used in carrying out the crime.

The Nigerian Army disclosed that the operation was conducted on July 17, 2026, following credible intelligence on the activities of the criminal network in Obinwanne Umuaka, Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State.

According to the Army, troops launched a coordinated intelligence-led cordon-and-search operation in the community as part of ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping, armed violence and other criminal activities across the South-East under Operation UDO KA.

During the operation, security personnel recovered a bag believed to have been used to transport ransom payments. The bag was found abandoned in a nearby bush, indicating that members of the syndicate had allegedly shared the ransom before fleeing the area.

Further exploitation of intelligence led troops to a residential building where one of the suspected members of the syndicate was arrested. A thorough search of the premises resulted in the recovery of a black Lexus saloon car believed to have been used during the kidnapping operation. Troops also recovered several mobile phones, identity documents and ₦298,200 in cash suspected to be part of the ransom proceeds.

The Army said the rescued victim later identified the arrested suspect as one of those involved in the abduction.

Preliminary investigations further revealed that the suspect allegedly facilitated the operation by providing his vehicle to the syndicate’s principal actor and subsequently received a share of the ransom after the victim’s release.

The suspect, along with all recovered exhibits, including the vehicle, cash, mobile phones and other items, has been handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS) for further investigation and efforts to apprehend other members of the criminal syndicate, including the alleged kingpin who remains at large.

The Nigerian Army stated that the successful operation demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations and the strong collaboration among security agencies in tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes in the South-East. It reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks, protecting lives and property, and ensuring lasting peace across the region.

The Army also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that public cooperation remains vital to ongoing efforts to identify, track and arrest criminal elements operating in different parts of the country.

The statement was signed by Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division Nigerian Army, on July 18, 2026. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.