Troops from the 34 Artillery Brigade, part of Operation UDO KA, have broken up a kidnapping gang in Imo State. They recovered money suspected to be ransom and a car used in the crime.
The Nigerian Army shared this news in a statement on their X account on Sunday. The statement was signed by Lt. Col. Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, who is the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 82 Division.
According to the statement, this operation happened on July 17, 2026. It was done with help from other security agencies based on reliable information.
Ayeni explained that the troops carried out a search operation in Obinwanne Umuaka, Njaba Local Government Area, after receiving actionable intelligence.
"During the operation, security forces found a bag used to carry ransom payments in a nearby bush. This shows that the money had been shared among the gang members," he said.
"Further intelligence led to the arrest of a suspect at a house nearby. A search of the place revealed a black Lexus saloon car believed to have been used during the kidnapping. We also found mobile phones, ID documents, and cash amounting to ₦298,200, which we suspect is part of the ransom," the statement noted.
The rescued victim identified the suspect as one of the people involved in the kidnapping. "The victim confirmed that the arrested person took part in the abduction. Early findings showed that the suspect helped the gang by providing his car and received part of the ransom," Ayeni stated.
The Army reported that the suspect and all items found have been handed over to the Department of State Services. They will continue to investigate and try to catch other gang members, including the leader who is still on the run.
The statement also mentioned that this operation shows how effective intelligence-led missions can be. It highlights the teamwork among security agencies in fighting kidnapping and violent crimes in the South-East.
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