By Jelili Gbadamosi
Troops of Operation Udoka have uncovered a suspected kidnapping syndicate’s hideout in Anambra State following the arrest of a suspected kidnapper, leading to the rescue of three victims and the recovery of arms and ammunition.
The operation was conducted on October 1, 2026, by troops of the 185 Battalion in collaboration with the Anambra Vigilante Group as part of ongoing efforts to tackle kidnapping and other criminal activities in the South-East.
The Nigerian Army said the operation began with the arrest of a suspected kidnapper identified as Sunday Obi during a snap operation.
According to the Army, information obtained from Obi during interrogation led security operatives to a suspected criminal camp at Abator in Ogbaru Local Government Area, across the Isieke waterside.
The troops and vigilantes subsequently crossed the waterways in canoes and raided the hideout, where they reportedly came under fire from the suspects.
The Army said the operatives overwhelmed the attackers, forcing them to flee with gunshot wounds.
The operation also led to the rescue of three kidnapping victims who had been abducted around the Osakwa General Area of Ihiala Local Government Area.
Among the items recovered from the camp were two AK-47 rifles with magazines, three pump-action guns and three locally fabricated Dane guns.
Security operatives also recovered 62 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, 149 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition and two cartridges.
Other items found at the location included materials suspected to be for the fabrication of improvised explosive devices, a solar generator, power bank, car battery, two motorcycle batteries, two solar panels and two mobile phones.
The Army said the recovered items and intelligence gathered during the operation would assist efforts to uncover the logistics network supporting kidnapping and other criminal activities in the area.
It added that follow-up operations were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects, their collaborators, logistics suppliers and other facilitators.
The Army further said Operation Udoka would sustain coordinated operations across the South-East to dismantle criminal camps, disrupt their supply chains and deny criminal groups safe havens.
