Soldier Arrested as Troops Take Down Terror Camp and Free Kidnapped Victims

The Nigerian Army says troops from the 185 Battalion have taken down a hideout used by suspected terrorists in Anambra State, located in the south-east of Nigeria.

In a statement posted on its Facebook page on Friday, the army said the troops also saved three kidnap victims.

These victims were taken around the Osakwa General Area in Ihiala Local Government Area, which led the troops to start a rescue operation alongside the Anambra Vigilante Group.

"On 1 October 2026, troops carried out a quick operation and arrested one suspected kidnapper named Sunday Obi.

"During questioning, the suspect gave information that helped troops find the location of the gang's camp at Abator in Ogbaru Local Government Area, across the Isieke waterside," the statement said.

The army explained that the troops launched another operation at the identified location using canoes to cross the waterways and reach the terrorists' hideout.

"When they got to the area, troops fired at the terrorists with strong force, making them flee with gunshot wounds," the army stated.

According to the statement, the troops recovered several weapons including AK-47 rifles with magazines, three pump-action guns, three locally made Dane guns, 62 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, and 149 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, along with two cartridges and other materials.

They also found items that support the terrorists' operations, including a solar generator, power bank, car battery, two motorcycle batteries, two solar panels, and two mobile phones.

"This recovery further reveals the support system that enables terrorist and kidnapping activities in the area and gives more intelligence for ongoing efforts to break down the larger network," the army noted.

The statement added that the Nigerian Army, through Operation Udo Ka, will continue with "coordinated and intelligence-driven operations" to take down more terrorist hideouts and remove the criminals.

"Follow-up operations are in progress to catch the fleeing terrorists, their partners, suppliers, and other helpers while troops keep working with relevant security agencies and local groups to improve security and protect communities," it concluded.