Troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade, operating under Operation Udo Ka in collaboration with other security agencies, have dismantled a kidnapping syndicate in Imo State, recovering part of the ransom paid by victims and a vehicle allegedly used in the crime.
According to a statement by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 82 Division Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Ayeni, the intelligence-led operation, resulted in the arrest of a suspect, the recovery of suspected ransom proceeds and the seizure of a vehicle linked to the abduction.
“Acting on credible intelligence, the troops carried out a cordon-and-search operation at Obinwanne Umuaka in Njaba Local Government Area, where they recovered a bag used to transport ransom payments. The bag had been abandoned in a nearby bush, indicating that the proceeds had already been shared among members of the criminal syndicate,” the statement said.
The statement added that further exploitation of intelligence led to the arrest of a suspect at a residential building.
He revealed that a search of the premises uncovered a black Lexus saloon car believed to have been used during the kidnapping, as well as mobile phones, identity documents and N298,200 in cash suspected to be part of the ransom.
According to the statement, the rescued victim later identified the suspect as one of those involved in the abduction.
Preliminary investigations also revealed that he had facilitated the operation by providing his vehicle to the syndicate’s principal actor and had received a share of the ransom.
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 syndicate, including the alleged kingpin who remains at large.
The Army said the operation highlights the effectiveness of intelligence-driven missions and the sustained collaboration among security agencies in tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes in the South-east.
In a related development, troops of the 65 Battalion dismantled a suspected illegal bunkering site in the Orile General Area of Lagos State, arresting six suspects and recovering items linked to the illicit operation.
In a statement, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 81 Division Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, said the operation, followed credible intelligence on the activities of suspected economic saboteurs in the area.
“Acting swiftly on the information, the troops carried out a targeted raid on the suspected site and apprehended six individuals believed to be involved in the illegal bunkering operation.
“Items recovered during the operation included four drums, two of which contained suspected illegally refined petroleum products. Troops also recovered a white Ford bus and a tanker suspected to have been used in support of the illicit activity.
“The suspects and recovered items were subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Lagos State Command by the Commanding Officer, 65 Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel S Adeojo, for further investigation and necessary legal action,” he said.
The General Officer Commanding 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Adebayo Babalola, commended the troops for their swift response, professionalism and successful execution of the operation.
He said the achievement reflects the Division’s commitment to protecting critical national assets and denying criminal elements the freedom to operate within its area of responsibility.
He also urged the troops to sustain the momentum of ongoing operations and called on members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
Linus Aleke
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