Troops of the Nigerian Army operating under Operation UDO KA have dismantled a suspected kidnapping syndicate in Imo State, arresting one suspect and recovering cash believed to be part of a ransom payment, a Lexus saloon car allegedly used for abduction operations, and other incriminating items.
The operation, carried out on July 17, 2026, was conducted by troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade in collaboration with other security agencies following actionable intelligence on the activities of the criminal network in Njaba Local Government Area of the state.
Military authorities said the intelligence-led operation began with a cordon-and-search mission in Obinwanne Umuaka community, where troops uncovered a bag allegedly used to transport ransom payments. The bag was found abandoned in a nearby bush, suggesting that members of the gang had already shared the proceeds before fleeing the area.
The operation was subsequently expanded based on fresh intelligence, leading security operatives to a residential building where one of the suspected members of the syndicate was arrested.
A search of the premises led to the recovery of a black Lexus saloon car believed to have been used by the gang during the kidnapping operation. Troops also recovered several mobile phones, identity documents and ₦298,200 in cash suspected to be the suspect’s share of the ransom collected from the victim.
According to military authorities, the rescued victim later identified the arrested suspect as one of those involved in the abduction, strengthening the case against him.
Preliminary investigations further revealed that the suspect allegedly played a logistical role in the kidnapping by providing his Lexus vehicle to the syndicate’s principal actor and subsequently receiving a portion of the ransom after the victim was released.
The Nigerian Army said all recovered exhibits, along with the suspect, have been handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS) for further investigation and efforts to apprehend other members of the criminal network, including the alleged kingpin who remains at large.
