Troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade under Operation UDO KA have dismantled a suspected kidnapping syndicate in Imo State, arresting one suspect and recovering part of a ransom payment as well as a vehicle allegedly used in the crime.
The intelligence-led operation, conducted on July 17 in collaboration with other security agencies, was carried out in Obinwanne Umuaka, Njaba Local Government Area of the state.
According to the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Lt.-Col. Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, troops launched a cordon-and-search operation following credible intelligence on the activities of the criminal gang.
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, suggesting that members of the syndicate had already shared the proceeds.
Further intelligence exploitation led troops to a residential building where one suspect was arrested.
A search of the premises led to the recovery of a black Lexus saloon car allegedly used during the kidnapping operation, mobile phones, identity documents and ₦298,200 in cash suspected to be part of the ransom paid by the victim’s family.
The rescued victim reportedly identified the arrested suspect as one of those involved in the abduction.
Preliminary investigations further revealed that the suspect allegedly facilitated the crime by providing his vehicle to the syndicate’s principal operative and later received a share of the ransom.
The Army said 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 gang, including the suspected kingpin who remains at large.
The military described the operation as another major success in its ongoing campaign against kidnapping and other violent crimes in the South-East, noting that the breakthrough underscored the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations and sustained collaboration among security agencies.
