Troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade operating under Operation Udoka have arrested a suspected member of a kidnapping syndicate during a coordinated security operation in Imo State.
The operation, carried out on July 17, 2026, was conducted alongside other security agencies based on intelligence gathered about the group’s activities. It resulted in the recovery of cash believed to be part of a ransom payment and the seizure of a vehicle allegedly used in the abduction.
The Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Ayeni, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Sunday.
According to the statement, troops launched a cordon-and-search operation in Obinwanne Umuaka, Njaba Local Government Area, after receiving credible intelligence.
During the exercise, security operatives discovered a bag suspected to have been used for transporting ransom money, which had been abandoned in a nearby bush.
Ayeni said intelligence gathered during the operation subsequently led troops to a residential building, where the suspect was arrested.
A search of the house led to the recovery of a black Lexus saloon car believed to have been used in the kidnapping operation.
Security personnel also found mobile phones, identity documents and ₦298,200 in cash suspected to be part of the ransom proceeds.
The Army said the rescued victim later identified the arrested suspect as one of the individuals involved in the abduction.
Preliminary findings further indicated that the suspect allegedly supplied his vehicle for the kidnapping operation and received a share of the ransom payment.
The Army said the suspect, along with all recovered exhibits, has been handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS) for further investigation and efforts to track down other members of the gang, including the alleged syndicate leader, who is still on the run.
According to the Army, the operation highlights the success of intelligence-driven security operations and the ongoing collaboration among security agencies in combating kidnapping and other violent crimes across the South-East.