Troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade operating under Operation UDO KA have dismantled a suspected kidnapping syndicate in Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State, rescuing a victim, arresting a suspect and recovering suspected ransom proceeds.
The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Saturday, July 18, 2026, by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 82 Division Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni.
According to the statement, the operation was carried out on July 17 in collaboration with other security agencies following credible 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 said.
The Army explained that security operatives launched a cordon-and-search operation in Obinwanne Umuaka, located in Njaba Local Government Area, after receiving actionable intelligence about the activities of the suspected kidnappers.
During the operation, troops recovered a bag allegedly used to transport ransom payments, which had been abandoned in a nearby bush. Investigators believe the money had already been shared among members of the criminal gang before the bag was discarded.
Further intelligence gathering led to the arrest of a suspect at a residential building within the community.
A search of the premises reportedly uncovered a black Lexus saloon car believed to have been used during the kidnapping operation. Security personnel also recovered mobile phones, identity documents and ₦298,200 in cash, which investigators suspect formed part of the ransom paid by the victim’s family.
According to the Army, the rescued victim later identified the arrested suspect as one of those involved in the abduction.
Preliminary investigations also indicated that the suspect allegedly provided his vehicle to the gang’s principal operator and received a share of the ransom after the victim was released.
The Army disclosed that the suspect and all recovered exhibits have been handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS) for further investigation and efforts to apprehend other members of the syndicate, including the alleged kingpin who remains at large.
The Nigerian Army said the operation highlights the effectiveness of intelligence-driven security operations and the continued collaboration among security agencies in tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes across the South-East.
