Troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade operating under Operation UDO KA have dismantled a kidnapping syndicate in Imo State, arresting a suspect and recovering ransom proceeds as well as a vehicle allegedly used in the crime.
The operation, carried out on July 17 in collaboration with other security agencies, followed credible intelligence on the activities of the criminal network in Njaba Local Government Area of the state.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Lt. Col. Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, troops launched a cordon-and-search operation in Obinwanne Umuaka community, where they made significant breakthroughs in the investigation.
During the operation, security operatives recovered a bag allegedly used to convey ransom payments, which had been abandoned in a nearby bush.
Investigators believe the ransom money had already been shared among members of the gang before the discovery.
Further exploitation of intelligence led troops to a residential building where a suspected member of the syndicate was arrested.
A search of the premises resulted in the recovery of a black Lexus saloon car believed to have been used during the kidnapping operation.
Troops also recovered mobile phones, identity documents and ₦298,200 suspected to be part of the ransom paid for the victim’s release.
“The operation was intelligence-driven and led to the arrest of a suspect, recovery of ransom proceeds and the seizure of a vehicle allegedly used in the abduction,” the statement said.
Military authorities disclosed that the rescued victim later identified the suspect as one of the individuals involved in the kidnapping.
Preliminary investigations further revealed that the suspect allegedly facilitated the crime by providing his vehicle to the syndicate’s principal actor and subsequently received a share of the ransom.
The Army said the suspect and all recovered exhibits have been handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS) for further investigation and efforts to apprehend other members of the gang, including the alleged kingpin who remains on the run.
The military described the operation as another demonstration of the effectiveness of intelligence-led security operations and inter-agency collaboration in tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes in the South-East.
It reaffirmed its commitment to working with other security agencies to sustain pressure on criminal elements and improve security across the region.
