Troops of the Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA, have dismantled a suspected terrorist and kidnapping syndicate’s hideout in Anambra State, rescuing three kidnapped victims and recovering a cache of firearms, ammunition and other operational equipment.
The operation was carried out by troops of the 185 Battalion in collaboration with the Anambra Vigilante Group following the abduction of three people around the Osakwa General Area of Ihiala Local Government Area.
According to the Nigerian Army, the victims were successfully rescued before troops launched a follow-up operation that led to the arrest of a suspected kidnapper identified as Sunday Obi.
Suspect Leads Troops To Camp
The Army said the suspect was arrested during a snap operation on October 1, 2026.
Information reportedly obtained from Obi during interrogation led security operatives to a suspected syndicate camp at Abator in Ogbaru Local Government Area, across the Isieke waterside.
Acting on the intelligence, troops moved towards the location using canoes to cross the waterways and gain access to the hideout.
Suspects Flee With Gunshot Wounds
The Army said the troops engaged the suspected terrorists when they arrived at the camp, forcing them to flee with gunshot wounds.
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The operation resulted in the recovery of two AK-47 rifles with magazines, three pump-action guns and three locally fabricated Dane guns.
Troops also recovered 62 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, 149 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition and two cartridges.
Materials suspected to be intended for the fabrication of improvised explosive devices were also found at the location.
Solar Equipment, Phones Recovered
Other items recovered from the hideout included a solar generator, power bank, car battery, two motorcycle batteries, two solar panels and two mobile phones.
The Army said the recoveries provided further intelligence on the logistical network allegedly supporting kidnapping and other criminal activities in the area.
Follow-Up Operations Underway
The Nigerian Army said follow-up operations were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects, their collaborators, logistics suppliers and other facilitators in the hideout.
It added that troops under Operation UDO KA would continue working with other security agencies and local stakeholders to disrupt criminal networks and protect communities across the South-East.
The Army urged continued cooperation from residents as security forces sustain intelligence-driven operations in the region.
