Troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade operating under Operation UDO KA have dismantled a kidnapping syndicate in Imo State, recovering suspected ransom proceeds and a vehicle allegedly used in the crime.

The Nigerian Army disclosed this in a statement posted on its X handle on Sunday and signed by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division Nigerian Army, Lt. Col. Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni.

According to the statement, the intelligence-led operation was carried out on July 17, 2026, in collaboration with other security agencies.

Ayeni said troops launched a cordon-and-search operation in Obinwanne Umuaka, Njaba Local Government Area, following actionable intelligence.

“During the operation, security forces recovered a bag used to transport ransom payments, abandoned in a nearby bush, indicating the proceeds had been shared among members of the criminal gang.

“During the operation, security forces recovered a bag used to transport ransom payments, abandoned in a nearby bush, indicating the proceeds had been shared among members of the criminal gang.

“Further exploitation of intelligence led to the arrest of a suspect at a residential building.

“A subsequent search of the premises uncovered a black Lexus saloon car believed to have been deployed during the kidnapping, alongside mobile phones, identity documents, and cash amounting to ₦298,200 suspected to be part of the ransom,” the statement said.

It added that the rescued victim identified the arrested suspect as one of those involved in the abduction.

“The rescued victim later confirmed the involvement of the arrested individual in the abduction. Preliminary findings also revealed that the suspect had facilitated the operation by providing his vehicle to the syndicate’s principal actor and had received a portion of the ransom,” Ayeni said.

The Army said the suspect and all recovered exhibits had 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 statement added that the operation demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-driven missions and the collaboration among security agencies in tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes in the South-East.

“This successful operation underscores the effectiveness of intelligence-driven missions and highlights the ongoing collaboration among security agencies in combating kidnapping and violent crimes in the South-East region,” the statement added. (The PUNCH)

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