Troops of Operation Udoka have rescued three kidnapped victims and dismantled a suspected terrorist and kidnapping syndicate’s hideout in Anambra State, recovering arms, ammunition and other operational equipment.
The operation was carried out by troops of the 185 Battalion in collaboration with the Anambra Vigilante Group as part of ongoing efforts to combat criminal activities in the South-East.
According to the Nigerian Army, the victims were abducted around the Osakwa General Area in Ihiala Local Government Area before security operatives launched a rescue mission that led to their freedom.
The Army disclosed that on October 1, 2026, troops conducted a snap operation and arrested a suspected kidnapper identified as Sunday Obi.
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Information obtained from the suspect during interrogation reportedly led security operatives to the syndicate’s camp located at Abator in Ogbaru Local Government Area, across the Isieke waterside.
Acting on the intelligence, troops and vigilantes crossed the waterways in canoes and stormed the hideout.
The Army said the suspects engaged the troops in a gun battle but were overwhelmed by superior firepower and fled the scene with gunshot wounds.
Items recovered during the operation included two AK-47 rifles with magazines, three pump-action guns, three locally fabricated Dane guns, 62 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition and 149 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.
Security operatives also recovered two cartridges and materials suspected to be intended for the fabrication of improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Other items recovered from the camp were a solar generator, power bank, car battery, two motorcycle batteries, two solar panels and two mobile phones.
The Army said the discoveries had provided valuable intelligence on the logistics network supporting kidnapping and other criminal activities in the area.
“Follow-up operations are underway to apprehend fleeing terrorists, their collaborators, logistics suppliers and other facilitators,” the Army stated.
It added that Operation Udoka would continue coordinated kinetic and intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling criminal enclaves, disrupting their logistics and supply chains, and denying criminal elements safe havens across the South-East.
The Army further assured residents that troops would continue working with relevant security agencies and local stakeholders to strengthen security and protect communities in the region.
