Army Busts Kidnap Syndicate, Recovers Ransom in Imo

Troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade under Operation UDO KA have dismantled a suspected kidnapping network in Imo State, recovering money believed to be part of a ransom payment and a vehicle allegedly used during the crime.

The Nigerian Army disclosed the development in a statement shared on its official X account on Sunday. The statement was signed by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Lt. Col. Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni.

According to the Army, the operation was carried out on July 17, 2026, following credible intelligence. Troops worked alongside other security agencies to carry out the mission in Obinwanne Umuaka, located in Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State.

During the operation, security personnel conducted a cordon-and-search exercise in the community. They recovered a bag believed to have been used to transport ransom money. The bag was found abandoned in a nearby bush, suggesting that members of the criminal group had already shared the money among themselves before fleeing.

Further intelligence gathered during the operation led security operatives to a residential building, where one suspect was arrested.

A search of the house led to the recovery of a black Lexus saloon car believed to have been used in carrying out the kidnapping. Troops also recovered mobile phones, identity documents and ₦298,200, which investigators suspect is part of the ransom collected from the victim.

The victim, who had earlier regained freedom, later identified the arrested suspect as one of the people involved in the abduction.

Preliminary investigations also revealed that the suspect allegedly assisted the kidnapping operation by making his vehicle available to the alleged leader of the gang. Investigators further believe he received a share of the ransom after the operation.

The Army said the arrested suspect, along with all items recovered during the operation, has been handed over to the Department of State Services for further investigation.

Security agencies have also continued efforts to track down other members of the gang, including the suspected kingpin who is still on the run.

The Army said the successful operation reflects the impact of intelligence-led security operations and the continued cooperation among security agencies in tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes across the South-East.