Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade, operating under Operation Udoka, have dismantled a suspected kidnapping syndicate in Imo State, arresting one suspect and recovering a black Lexus saloon car, mobile phones, identity documents, and ₦298,200 in cash believed to be part of a ransom payment. The operation was conducted on July 17, 2026, in Obinwanne Umuaka, Njaba Local Government Area, following credible intelligence.
According to a statement by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Ayeni, troops carried out a cordon-and-search operation and recovered a bag believed to have been used to transport ransom payments, which had been abandoned in a nearby bush. The discovery suggested that the ransom had already been shared among members of the criminal gang. Further intelligence exploitation led to the arrest of a suspect at a residential building in the area.
A search of the premises uncovered the black Lexus saloon car allegedly used during the kidnapping, along with mobile phones, identity documents, and ₦298,200 in cash suspected to be part of the ransom proceeds. The Army stated that the rescued victim identified the arrested suspect as one of those involved in the abduction. Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect allegedly provided his vehicle for the operation and received a share of the ransom.
The suspect and all recovered items have been handed over to the Department of State Services for further investigation and efforts to apprehend other members of the syndicate, including the alleged kingpin, who remains at large. The Army noted that the operation underscores the effectiveness of intelligence-led security operations and the continued collaboration among security agencies in tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes in the South-East.
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