Troops of the Nigerian Army have dismantled a suspected kidnapping syndicate in Imo State, recovering cash believed to be part of a ransom payment and a Lexus saloon car allegedly used during the operation.
The successful raid was carried out by troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade under Operation UDO KA on July 17, 2026, during an intelligence-led operation in Obinwanne Umuaka, Njaba Local Government Area. The operation was conducted in collaboration with other security agencies, according to a statement issued on Sunday by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 82 Division Nigerian Army, Lt. Col. Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni.
Ayeni said security operatives launched a cordon-and-search operation after receiving credible intelligence on the activities of the criminal gang. During the raid, troops recovered a bag abandoned in a nearby bush, which investigators believe had been used to transport ransom payments before the money was shared among members of the syndicate.
Further intelligence gathered during the operation led to the arrest of a suspect at a residential building. A search of the premises uncovered a black Lexus saloon car believed to have been used during the kidnapping, several mobile phones, identity documents and ₦298,200 in cash suspected to be part of the ransom collected from the victim.
The Army disclosed that the rescued victim later identified the arrested suspect as one of those directly involved in the abduction. Preliminary investigations also revealed that the suspect allegedly provided his vehicle to the gang’s principal operator and received a share of the ransom after the crime.
The suspect, along with all recovered exhibits, has been handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS) for further investigation. Security agencies are also intensifying efforts to track down other members of the kidnapping network, including the alleged kingpin who remains on the run.
The Nigerian Army said the operation reflects the growing success of intelligence-driven security missions and the continued collaboration among security agencies in the fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes across the South-East. It reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining operations aimed at improving security and protecting residents in the region.
