Troops dismantle kidnap syndicate in Imo, rescue victim, arrest suspect and recover ransom

Troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade operating under Operation UDO KA have dismantled a kidnapping syndicate in Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State, recovering suspected ransom proceeds and a vehicle allegedly used for abduction. 

Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations 
82 Division Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, who disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, 18 July 2026 said the operation led to the arrest of a suspect and rescue of a victim.

According to the statement, the intelligence-led operation was carried out on July 17, in collaboration with other security agencies following actionable intelligence. 

“Troops of 34 Artillery Brigade operating under operation UDO KA in collaboration with other security agencies have successfully conducted an intelligence-led operation that disrupted a kidnapping syndicate in Imo State,” the statement read.

“The operation, carried out on 17 July 2026, resulted in the arrest of a suspect, recovery of ransom proceeds, and seizure of a vehicle allegedly used in the abduction.

“Following actionable intelligence, troops launched a cordon and search mission in Obinwanne Umuaka, Njaba Local Government Area. 

“During the operation, security forces recovered a bag used to transport ransom payments, abandoned in a nearby bush, indicating the proceeds had been shared among members of the criminal gang.

“Further exploitation of intelligence led to the arrest of a suspect at a residential building. 

“A subsequent search of the premises uncovered a black Lexus saloon car believed to have been deployed during the kidnapping, alongside mobile phones, identity documents, and cash amounting to N298,200 suspected to be part of the ransom.

“The rescued victim later confirmed the involvement of the arrested individual in the abduction. 

“Preliminary findings also revealed that the suspect had facilitated the operation by providing his vehicle to the syndicate’s principal actor and had received a portion of the ransom.

“All recovered exhibits and the suspect have been handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS) for further investigation and pursuit of other members of the syndicate, including the alleged kingpin who remains at large.

“This successful operation underscores the effectiveness of intelligence-driven missions and highlights the ongoing collaboration among security agencies in combating kidnapping and violent crimes in the South-East region.”